IOC panel visits Rio, says city is on track to deliver ‘very good’ 2016 Olympics

IOC: Rio on track to deliver ‘very good’ games

RIO DE JANEIRO — Rio de Janeiro is on track to overcome infrastructure and security challenges and deliver a “very good” 2016 Olympics.

The chairwoman of the International Olympic Committee’s oversight panel said Tuesday she was impressed with Rio’s proposals on transportation, involving rapid transit bus lines and extending the city’s metro system.

“We need to work hand in hand … as one team,” Nawal El Moutawakel said. “If Rio wins, that means the IOC wins. We’re confident Rio is going to deliver a very good games by 2016.”

The panel spent two days touring the city’s venues and visiting slums where police have been maintaining a constant presence to control drug-related violence.

El Moutawakel, the 1984 Olympic champion in the 400-meter hurdles for Morocco, was selected last week to head the panel. Rio defeated Chicago, Madrid and Tokyo in the IOC vote in October to become the first city in South America to host the Olympics.

Rio’s transportation plan centers around high-capacity, rapid transit bus systems that will include dedicated lanes for athletes, coaches and other official members of delegations, plus other lanes for spectators.

On security, El Moutawakel said she is confident the state and federal governments will do everything necessary to ensure the safety of athletes and fans.

El Moutawakel and IOC Olympic Games executive director Gilbert Felli visited slums where police in the past year have driven out violent drug traffickers. The police have maintained a constant presence, a new tactic used across the city.

El Moutawakel said the full oversight panel will return to Rio in May.