December 2016 to June 2017

Cardiff, attracted over 200,000 people from across the world to watch Juventus take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Final 2017, which is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world and the most prestigious club competition in European football.

We worked with the organisers of the UEFA Champions League Final 2017 hosted in Cardiff in two areas. 

First, one of our team (Jon Foley) deputised for the Head of Transport for the Event. In addition to putting in place operational arrangements with FirstGroup (the preferred shuttle bus supplier) and local rail operators this also involved providing input to the crowd management at Cardiff Central Train station and introducing an innovative demand management led booking system for ticket-holders arriving by train. Liaison with local airports was a prerequisite as were regular meetings with UEFA and senior officials of the finalist Clubs. The role operated at a senior Board level across the Football Association of Wales, Welsh Government and Cardiff Council including a weekly briefing to the Welsh First Minister and his officials.

Second, we created and delivered a Travel Demand Management programme. Our team managed two key areas in the programme; travel advice to spectators and a marketing communications campaign for the local community. We worked with UEFA, Organising Committee, Welsh Government, South Wales Police, City of Cardiff Council, the finalist Clubs, the media and local stakeholders to ensure that those living and working in and around Cardiff were informed and understood the impact the Event would have on them and how to amend their journey. As well as advising spectators on the travel options and most effective way on travelling to the City.