The transport plan is a part of the success. The decision to establish ORTA flowed from my Post-Atlanta Transport Summit . The need for a single Olympics roads and transport organisation was one of the key lessons from the Atlanta Games. The Chief Executive Officer of ORTA will be Mr Ron Christie who will also continue as the Chief Executive Officer of the Roads and Traffic Authority until September 1999. Mr Knight, said while the largest number of spectators will be moved by rail, the biggest challenge will be in making road-based transport movements function during the Olympics.
Transport is probably the most difficult task to be undertaken in organising the Olympics.
Mr Knight said he was pleased that Mr Christie had agreed to head ORTA as he had excellent qualifications. He is already in charge of Sydney's road network and has an extensive background in rail and the provision of integrated public transport services. Nobody knows the job ahead better than he does. Mr Christie was also involved in Sydney's Bid for the Games as the head of the Department of Public Works which built the highly acclaimed Athletic and Aquatic Centres.