Once their buses arrive at the bus station or they disembark from a train, or land at Zagreb Airport, the participants of the European Universities Games Zagreb-Rijeka 2016 don’t have to worry about traffic anymore. They are in safe hands.
Ivan Grgurević is a member of the Supervisory Committee of the Games and the head of the Transport Committee. He’s also a professor at the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences. He points out that the Games are a major challenge.
‘We have to adjust the timetables, and we have to arrange transport from the airport and train stations to the accreditation center for all athletes. Bus lines from the athletes’ village to sports venues have to be maintained as well, and, if necessary, their routes have to be changed. Sometimes we have to increase the number of buses depending on current road conditions.’
For the third-year students of the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, the Games are a great opportunity to practice, and prove themselves to future employers. The students of City Transport are mostly involved in devising the timetables, while the students of Information-communication Sciences are part of IT support.
Sara Vučemilović Grgić and Vedran Bojić are at the end of their undergraduate studies. Their task is to welcome the athletes, referees and delegates at Zagreb Airport and to instruct them on how to arrive to the final destination.
‘We’re the first to meet athletes from other countries. They are usually in a good mood and happy they arrived. We also say ‘hi’ to those students who continue to travel to Rijeka, and meet those who stay in Zagreb at the athletes’ village.’
Ana Papac is a graduate of Traffic Sciences and works in the organization of the Games, in the office of the Transport Committee.
‘In addition to transporting the athletes, we also take care of transport of judges, technical and EUSA delegates, and delivery of lunch packages to our volunteers. I love the organization and the challenges, and I am the happiest when we successfully solve unplanned situations. ‘
The Transport Committee recorded its 1000th ride on Monday. It was on the route from Sutinska Vrela to the Athletes’ village, and the man who drove the referees of the men’s futsal tournament in his van was Vladimir Gjurgjević, who had also worked as a driver and the 1987 Universiade.
‘I mainly drive referees from sports venues to their accommodation or to the Athletes’ village. We don’t talk much about previous matches, but more about the locations we’re passing by.
The Zagreb Electric Tram, whose 41 vehicles circulated the city on Monday, provides a great support to the Transport Committee. ZET drivers praise the good organization and nice mood among young athletes, especially the winners, who regularly celebrate on their way back from matches.
