This study investigates the public transportation outcomes of the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta (1996) and Athens (2004) and to discuss the long term impacts of the Games on the cities' respective public transportation systems. This study examines the techniques applications and tools used in the planning process of these two previous Olympic host cities focusing on the transportation planning processes in each city and evaluating the appropriateness and applicability of these strategies for solving current transportation problems in big cities all around the world. To this end Atlanta and Athens are ideal for this study because they represent the distinct planning approaches of Europe and the United States. the art of compliment."