More ABC on the Ah-lympics

["Alan Bradley" <alanb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This Bulletin: Fri, Sep 15 2000 8:58 AM AEDT

Troops called in to sort out Sydney's traffic

Federal troops have been called in to help sort out Sydney's Olympic
transport problems.

The troops are expected to begin arriving today.

Olympics Minister Michael Knight sent an urgent note to the Federal
Government yesterday, fed up with the ongoing problems with Olympic buses
and looking for help.

The Commonwealth will give Mr Knight around 100 troops, most of whom will
find themselves behind the steering wheel of a bus.

The lead up to the Games has been tarnished by problems with the buses,
with dozens of drivers quitting on Wednesday citing poor training and
conditions.

The remaining workers received a pay rise and a promise of better
conditions yesterday, but buses continue to get lost or fail to turn up.

Australian Army spokesman Captain Mike Harris says his task will be
difficult.

"Obviously there's an urgent need and we'll be working our hardest, burning
the midnight oil to get those people identified and here in Sydney as soon
as possible," he said.

Olympics News provided by ABC News Online