Olympic organizers are projecting traffic disruptions on many major routes around the city during the 2010 Games. (CBC)

The unveiling of a transportation plan by Olympic organizers Wednesday morning has brought a flurry of criticism and concerns.

Widespread road closures and traffic diversions are expected during the Games, and organizers are hoping residents will use public transit to move around busy areas such as downtown Vancouver.

To encourage transit use, organizers will introduce 'Olympic Lanes,' traffic lanes reserved only for buses and Olympic-accredited vehicles.

Those lanes will not accommodate city taxis carrying Olympic spectators, leaving some in the taxi industry upset that cabbies will be stuck in traffic when transporting tourists and Olympic spectators.

Many residents will have to use public transit during the Games if they want to get to their destinations on time. (CBC)

"To find out that we are not going to have access to those lanes at all is a very disappointing story," said John Palis, manager of Yellow Cabs.

Transit officials who helped conceive the plan say it isn't feasible to accommodate taxis because that will prevent running an efficient system.

"We cannot afford to have taxis stopping on and off, having people get out, settling fares, things of that nature," said Doug Kelsey, CEO of TransLink. "A crucial element of leveraging the transit model that we're going with here, is those buses have got to keep moving and moving fast."

B.C.'s NDP Olympic critic claims the plan makes few provisions for workers and students.

"What I see, quickly going through this, is a concern for the businesses, the workers who need to go to work during this time, students who are told to stay home during this time, the post secondary education students," said Harry Bains.

B.C. Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon admits the transportation changes may cause problems for commuters during the Games, but urged all residents to get behind the plan.

"There'll be some inconvenience for sure," said Falcon. "Any time you host a major event, whether it's the Celebration of Light, or the Sun Run, or the Santa Claus parade, obviously there's some inconvenience."

Falcon is hoping British Columbians will show they are sustainable citizens by using public transit as much as possible during the Olympics.