COTA points to hiring difficulties, GPS app issues for traffic trouble at Rolling Stones concert
[ad_1]
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Circuit of the Americas is responding on Sunday to complaints about problems with traffic and accessibility to the Rolling Stones concert last night.
“COTA itself is a small group of caring people who want to convey joy and good memories, not frustration,” began a statement from the venue’s PR agency. It was further explained that the venue team is working with outside recruitment agencies to provide mobility-assisted services, parking attendants, grocery vendors, ushers and cleaning staff.
“These organizations, not dissimilar to most, have reported that recruiting has been incredibly difficult lately and we appreciate everyone who did their best to make the Rolling Stones concert a great experience.” the statement said.
“It’s part of our story:” Couple gets married at the Rolling Stones concert in Austin
KXAN viewers wrote about problems with traffic coming, parking, and coming in to the concert.
“Last night, a widely used GPS traffic app mistakenly displayed a large open road as blocked and a private driveway as an open road,” the statement said. “Thousands of cars were steered incorrectly, which turned the heavy traffic into chaos.”
The COTA statement also called on Capital Metro to “support local residents, businesses and visitors to the neighborhood”.
“Public transportation, street lights, improved roads and sidewalks are badly needed,” it said.
A KXAN spectator said that there were people walking on the streets leading to the venue because the traffic in the area was so congested.
KXAN reached out to Capital Metro to ask how much they were involved in the concert on Saturday night. A spokeswoman said a statement is expected to be released on Monday.
“We thank all the fans who survived the complications and we hope that you enjoyed the concert of your life,” the statement ended.
Read COTA’s full statement below:
COTA itself is a small group of caring people who want to create happiness and fond memories, not frustration. To host large events, the team hires and relies on outside human resources companies to provide mobility-assisted services, parking attendants, food vendors, ushers, and cleaning staff. These organizations, not dissimilar to most, have reported that recruiting staff has been incredibly difficult lately and we thank everyone who did their best to make the Rolling Stones concert a great experience.
Last night, a widespread GPS traffic app incorrectly showed a large open road as blocked and a private driveway as an open road. Thousands of cars were misdirected, turning the heavy traffic into chaos.
We encourage Capital Metro and elected officials to heed calls from our city councilors and district officials when they say residents and businesses in the Southeast Corridor are underserved. Public transportation, street lights, improved roads and sidewalks are badly needed.
We also know that the mobility aid partners were overwhelmed by the demand. An epic, cross-generational band like The Rolling Stones took a lot of patience, and we appreciate the understanding fans who recognize the challenges our vendor partners face.
We call on Cap Metro to support the residents, businesses and visitors of the Del Valle neighborhood. We continue to thank all the fans who endured the complications and hope that you enjoyed the concert of your life.
[ad_2]
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/cota-points-to-hiring-difficulties-gps-app-issues-for-traffic-trouble-at-rolling-stones-concert/
