Thiago Magno, a spokesman for Metro Rio, who rode the first train, said tests had been done with bags of sand instead. Rio city hall wanted to charge motorists trying to sneak into the restricted lanes $460 fines, but a judge suspended that move. Further frazzling nerves, the Rio state government, responsible for its construction, declared a state of “public calamity” over its finances in June, forcing an $870 million bailout from the federal government. The Olympic waters may still be dirty, but the metro link is shiny and new. RIO DE JANEIRO — To the relief of organizers, the government and the tens of thousands either working on the Games or planning to watch them, Rio finally began operating its new Olympic metro line at 6:07 a.m. on Monday.

Source: Washington Post August 01, 2016 18:51 UTC