One, three or seven day smartcards have been made available, which grant the holder access to public transportation across the Olympic host city.

Transportation will be unlimited with the Rio 2016 Games “RioCard”, enabling users to travel on municipal bus, metro, bus rapid transit (BRT) and the SuperVia train services.

The only exception are the city’s executive buses, which are known as frescoes.

One day cards will cost 25 reals (£5.80/$7.70/€7), while the three-day pass has been priced at 70 reals (£16.30/$21.50/€19.50).

The week-long card comes at a cost of 160 reals (£37.30/$49.20/€44.70).

Cards are available for purchase at the city’s two airports, main bus terminal, metro stations and at BRT stops, while they can also be bought at Pier Mauá and seven RioCard stores.

The passes are dispensed by dedicated machines, which will take either cash or debit cards.

Following activation, the cards can be used until 23:59 on the last day in which they are valid, however a further two hours will be allowed to late finishing events at the Games.

Only one holder will be able to make use of the pass, while a minimum of 30 minutes must elapse between journeys before the card can be reused.

The special cards can be used between August 1 and September 18, during both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

After the Games, they will serve as pre-paid passes.

Transportation has been a key challenge for Rio 2016 organisers, with the city's streets often congested.

A subway extension to Metro Linha 4, which is due to link the main Rio 2016 Games hub at Barra de Tijuca with the city centre, is expected to open just days before the Olympic Opening Ceremony on August 5.

The line is a key Games legacy project.

It will be launched with a "soft opening" - for athletes, media, fans with tickets and accredited personnel only.