The Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee issued a warning to Lower Mainland ticket holders late Friday (Feb. 12) after at least 100 Vancouver ticket holders drove to Squamish in the hopes of boarding the locals-only direct shuttle to the Callaghan Valley's Whistler Olympic Park.
"Together with our partners we have communicated extensively that services in Squamish are dedicated to Squamish residents and their guests and are not available to spectators originating from Metro Vancouver," states a VANOC news release.
In the release, issued the day of the Games' official launch, VANOC reasserted its transportation plan for Metro Vancouver.
"Over the last two months we have emphasized that the only options for the Metro Vancouver-based spectators travelling to events in Whistler on day-of competition is the Olympic bus network or private motor coach services from departure points in Metro Vancouver," stated the release.
However it appears some Whistler Olympic Park spectators attempted to shorten VANOC's circuitous journey that would have them travel to Whistler, transfer to another bus, and retrace their steps back down Highway 99 to the Callaghan Valley.
Those plans backfired when spectators discovered their limited options, and found themselves with a much longer trip than anticipated.
"Today approximately 100 spectators drove to Squamish instead of travelling on the Olympic bus network or private motor coach and either missed or were late for their event as a result," stated VANOC.
"VANOC reiterates that driving to Squamish is contrary to our TravelSmart 2010 program and will result in disappointment to ticket holders."
VANOC suggested that ticket holders book passage from various points in Vancouver by booking ahead at OBN2010.com "so that you are not disappointed."
Many Lower Mainland ticket holders have expressed frustration at having to drive to distant Metro Vancouver locations to board buses because tickets to closer established pick up points are sold out.
Private motor coaches are another option for Metro Vancouver based ticket holders to get to Olympic events in Whistler.
