Mega-Events and Urban Transformation: Accessing the Transport Legacies and Sustainability Implications of Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics

Since the late 1990s, mega-events such as the Olympic Games have been widely promoted as drivers of urban transformation, particularly in transport infrastructure. This study uses a systematic review approach to assess the legacy of Rio de Janeiro’s 2016 Olympic transport investments, focusing on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and its role in promoting ecological sustainability, social inclusion, and economic development. The findings reveal that while the BRT delivered certain benefits such as expanded mobility infrastructure, improved fuel efficiency, partial emission reductions, and increased connectivity in some areas, these gains were unevenly distributed. The system largely favored central and affluent zones, contributing to rising real estate values and economic opportunities in those areas. Conversely, low-income communities faced displacement, increased commuting distances, and weakened access to urban services that exacerbate pre-existing socio-spatial inequalities. The project also triggered environmental degradation through construction in sensitive ecological zones and failed to meet its modal shift and ridership targets. Much of the infrastructure remains incomplete or underutilized. The study concludes that Rio’s Olympic transport legacy fell short of its stated goals of inclusive and sustainable development. It recommends that future mega-event planning must prioritize equitable infrastructure delivery, meaningful public participation, and comprehensive evaluation of both positive and negative impacts.