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UAE Freezones Biz News Updates
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Driving Dubai on the fast-track to being super-connected
Roads and Transport Authority marks its 10th anniversary today
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime
Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, and
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and
Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council, have given their huge and continuous
support to the RTA. (Wam)
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is celebrating on November 1, 2015,
its 10th anniversary with huge achievements despite multiple challenges
encountered from the early days of establishing the RTA.
It had to tackle right from the beginning the transfer of tasks, assets and
technological systems from the Dubai Municipality, General HQ of Dubai
Police, and Dubai Transportation Corporation in a record time.
It also had to address the sourcing of competent administrative and
technical cadres, ease the traffic congestion, improve the traffic safety
level, and increase the ridership of public transport means.
Overall, it has managed to achieve more than 90% of its strategic plan
covering matters related to upgrading the infrastructure of roads, public
transit means, pedestrian facilities and traffic safety.
The flagship projects of the decade are the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram,
followed by the sprawling network of roads, underpasses, flyovers as well as
public transit systems and a variety of marine transit modes.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive
Directors of the RTA, offered thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE
and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai
Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, and Sheikh Maktoum bin
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Chairman of
the Executive Council, for the huge and continuous support they lend to the
RTA.
“During the first months of establishing the RTA, His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum endorsed the strategic plan of the RTA
covering roads and public transport network in the tune of Dh75 billion.
His Highness directed all other government departments and entities to
extend every support to the RTA during the establishment period. Multiple
visits to the RTA were made by Sheikh Mohammed as well as Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohammed Al Maktoum and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, who were
keen to launch such strategic projects like the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram,
marine transit modes and a variety of road projects.
Establishment challenges
The RTA embarked on sorting out solutions for challenges confronting the
transportation system in Dubai; which focused on easing the traffic
congestion involving a financial burden of about Dh5.9 billion worth of
time wasted in traffic congestion, traffic accidents related fatalities of
about 21.7 cases per 100,000 of population compared to five in countries
like the UK and six in Sweden.
Challenges also included the limited use of mass transit systems, which was
not more than 6 per cent compared to 40 per cent in developed countries and
even hits 70 per cent in certain countries.
Challenges also included serving the requirements of the rapid urban and
economic expansion of the Dubai where traffic growth rate clocked 13 per
cent per annum compared to 2 to 3 per cent in European cities.
The annual growth of Dubai’s population was in excess of 6 per cent during
the period 2005 – 2008 whereas the corresponding rate in most European
cities was not more than 2 per cent.
Equally, the increase in the number of registered vehicles in Dubai was as
high as 17 per cent per annum at a time where the prevailing corresponding
rate was not more than 4 per cent in European cities.
To confront these challenges, the RTA developed a flexible organisational
chart separating legislation from construction. It developed a comprehensive
plan for upgrading roads network and public transit systems, set a model for
forecasting the future traffic movement in the Emirate, and adopted quick
solutions in more than 120 locations.
It has also undertaken concurrent projects and accomplished them in a record
time such as the Floating Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, Dubai Metro, and the
Business Bay Crossing. It has also developed a high-quality mass transit
system comprising the metro, tram, buses and marine transit modes, besides
adopting smart technologies to ease the mobility of people.
Dubai Metro
RTA’s achievements are highlighted by the construction and operation of the
Dubai Metro, the longest driverless metro in the world. The idea of
constructing the Dubai Metro was based on the solid belief in the vitality
of Metro systems in providing a world-class infrastructure raising the
profile of Dubai as the global hub for finance and business.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed envisioned the Metro as the backbone of a
transport system linking vital areas in the Emirate and offering smooth and
safe mobility for riders. Thus, the Dubai Metro was constructed with the
highest-quality levels and deluxe finishing as His Highness said: “I want
Dubai Metro stations to be like Burj Al Arab Hotel so that it will become
the first mobility choice of community members.”
The Dubai Metro applies the latest rail technologies including an
air-conditioning system inside stations and trains compatible with climatic
conditions of the urban Dubai. Trains are operated by an integrated
electronic system enabling the control of accurate trip timing, reducing the
time intervals between services, if needed, in a way enabling the operation
of the service at a capacity accommodating up to 26,000 riders per hour per
direction.
The fact that Dubai Metro has achieved huge success is reflected by
indicators of operational efficiency, accuracy of service timing, and the
highest safety standards at world class levels. From the start of operations
in September 2009 till September 2015, the Dubai Metro has transported more
than 656 million riders.
Dubai Tram
The construction of the Dubai Tram has added a new element to RTA’s efforts
towards cementing the infrastructure of the Dubai Emirate. It is a
brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to provide
an advanced transit system to serve JBR, Marina, and Al Sufouh.
Such a project was vital in view of the changing profile of the area, high
population density, high number of trips, and limited right-of-way for
roads.
Thus, it was essential to develop an integrated solution to carry out
radical improvements of roads network, intersections, and a mass transit
system linked with the Dubai Metro and the Monorail of the Palm Jumeirah.
The tramway extends 11kms along Al Sufouh Road starting from the Marina up
to the Tram Depot near the Dubai Police Academy. It comprises 11 stations
focused on high population density and business activity areas. The fleet
comprises 11 trams, each has a capacity to accommodate 292 riders.
The Dubai Tram is considered the first tram system outside Europe powered by
ground (catenary free) electric cables throughout the entire line, the
world’s first tram network to use platform screen doors fully-aligned with
the tram’s ?doors opening and closing mechanism, the world's first tram
?project with fully air-conditioned stations?, and the first tram that has
gold class and coaches dedicated to women and children.
It boasts of high-class standards of interior finishing in coaches, and
deluxe stations.
The tram is fitted with the latest technologies of transmitting and
displaying information and entertainment materials.
Some tram stations are fitted with air-conditioned bridges as well as
escalators, and lifts. The project design has been tailored to serve the
needs of the disabled and seniors.
Roads network
It goes without saying that the planning, designing, and construction of
major roads and transport projects take long time before they can finally
pay dividends after operation. However, during this short period, the RTA
managed to achieve several mega achievements as the number of lanes crossing
the Dubai Creek which soared from 19 lanes in 2006 to 48 lanes in 2015
reflecting a 153 per cent rise. Several vital projects have been constructed
including the 13-lane Business Bay Crossing with a capacity of about 26,000
vehicles per hour.
It replaced the old Al Garhoud Bridge with a new one comprising 14 lanes,
with a capacity of 32,000 vehicles per hour. The six-lane Floating Bridge
has also been constructed using military technology, in addition to widening
Al Maktoum Bridge from 9 to 11 lanes.
The length of roads network has extended from 8,715 lane-kilometers in 2006
to 13,335 lane-kilometers by the end of September 2015, recording an
increase of 53%. The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road has been widened from
entrance of Sharjah up to the Arabian Ranches Interchange from 6 to 12
lanes, with a capacity of more than 24,000 vehicles per hour.
The Emirates Road has been improved as a new hub, consisting of 12 lanes,
and 15 interchanges including 3 flyovers and 12 underpasses for turns.
The Emirates Road, which had only 4 lanes in the past, now spans 72
kilometers, extending from the entrance of Sharjah up to the entrance of Abu
Dhabi.
The RTA also completed Al Khail Road Improvement and Widening Project, which
extends about 15 km, starting from the intersection with Al Meydan Road to
the intersection with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, comprising 6 lanes in
each direction. The then existing 4 roundabouts have been converted to
multi-level free movement interchanges.
Work is underway to complete the construction of new parallel roads to the
Sheikh Zayed Road project, with total length of about 31 kilometers. The
project includes the construction of 23 bridges extending 8 km at
interchanges to ensure the smooth traffic flow in the area.
Vital interchanges
The first interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road is one of the vital and
sophisticated interchanges carried out by the RTA, where bridges span more
than 3km, while the total length of tunnels is about 850 metres. The
importance of the project lies in its vital location on Sheikh Zayed Road,
in close vicinity of Burj Khalifa, and Dubai International Financial Centre.
The project, which connects these areas with the main streets including
Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai International Financial Centre, also provides
free traffic movement in all directions. The RTA has replaced the old
Arabian Ranches roundabout on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road with a flyover
consisting of 13 bridges and one underpass.
In addition, it broadened Umm Suqeim Road to include 4 lanes in each
direction, and Al Qudra Road to two lanes in each direction. The RTA has
also completed several interchanges such as Tecom, Al Sufouh, Emirates
Hills, and the Palm Jumeirah entrances in addition to the interchange 5.5 on
Sheikh Zayed Road, the intersection of Beirut Road with Al Nahda Road, and
elevated bridges of the Financial Center Road, the first double-decker road
in the region. Moreover, most phases of Al Ittihad Road broadening project
have been completed. These road network improvement and expansion have
increased speed rates on the main mobility hubs.
Dubai Water Canal
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime
Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the
Executive Council, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Deputy Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated on October 2, 2013, the construction on
the Dubai Water Canal project; which will link the Business Bay District
with the Arabian Gulf.
The water canal, which crosses the heart of Dubai, adds multiple tourist
attractions and a gorgeous outlook to Dubai city. Construction works started
by building bridges crossing the canal on the Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah
Road and Al Wasl Road. The canal will also feature 5 marine transport
stations.
The project will feature a cast of deluxe luxury houses, footpaths, and
cycling tracks, as well as deluxe retail outlets, luxury hotels and gourmet
restaurants.
Jumeirah Corniche
Jumeirah Corniche extends 14 kilometres from the beach adjacent to 6
residential areas, behind Dubai Marine Beach Resort up to Burj Al Arab
hotel.
The Corniche includes a walkway of 5 meters in width, a 4-meter wide running
track, rest areas with commercial stalls, and shaded sitting areas
overlooking the beach, as well as public and health facilities. The project
features a distinctive beautiful touch thanks to the landscaping works,
which will be further ameliorated and distributed in highly coordinated
style, in addition to the decorative lighting with innovative stylish
design.
Cycling Tracks
The RTA has built cycling lanes of more than 178km long, of which 138km
track extends from Seih Assalam up to Nad Al Sheba.
Traffic Safety
The RTA has implemented a series of quick solutions to improve traffic in
more than 120 spots, which resulted in improved traffic safety and mobility
at such locations in varying degrees.
The RTA has also taken several traffic safety measures at par with the
world’s best practices, which proved effective, and resulted in an
unprecedented reduction in road accidents fatality rate in Dubai emirate
over the past ten years.
The roads safety promotion efforts made by the RTA in cooperation with the
General Headquarters of Dubai Police contributed to reducing the traffic
accidents fatality rate from 22 deaths per 100 thousand persons in 2006 to
nearly 12.7 deaths per 100 thousand people in 2009. This downward trend
continued in 2014 diving to about 3.5 deaths per 100 thousand persons, while
pedestrian fatalities rate plummeted from 8.4 deaths per 100 thousand
persons in 2006 to less than only one death case per 100 thousand persons in
2014.
The RTA implemented a number of initiatives to improve the traffic safety by
studying and implementing the recommendations of traffic safety strategy
during the period from 2008 to 2015, which resulted in lowering fatality
rate by about 70%. To further ensure pedestrian safety, the RTA implemented
the Strategic Plan for Pedestrians Safety, which brought down pedestrians
fatality rate by 40% during the period from 2009 to 2014. The RTA
constructed 100 footbridges, while work is up and running to construct 17
footbridges during the period from 2015 to 2017.
The RTA had also inspected the traffic safety elements in all new road
projects all over the emirate, and had proactively inspected the traffic
safety elements in existing roads with a special focus on roadside designs.
This move contributed to diminishing fatality rate by 39% during the period
from 2006 to 2014, besides analysing and tackling traffic accidents
hotspots, as no less than 70 locations are studied annually, which resulted
in reducing fatality by 30%.
The RTA culminated its efforts to scoop a number of coveted international
and regional traffic safety awards, including the Prince Michael
International Award for Traffic Safety in 2012, Gulf Traffic Award for
Traffic Safety Achievements in 2009 and 2013, and the IRF award for traffic
safety achievements.
Public Transport
Thanks to its advanced mass transit systems, the RTA managed to increase the
share of public transport means in the mobility of people from less than 6%
in 2006 to about 14% in 2014, and is still seeking to reach the target of
30% in 2030. In order to improve and broaden public bus services, the RTA
deployed standard, articulated and double-decker buses as well as
eco-friendly buses fitted with state-of-the-art engines conforming to Euro
IV & V standards. The RTA also opened more than 252 routes in the emirate,
and improved the efficiency of public buses by accessing new areas.
The public bus fleet in Dubai soared to 1512 buses, including 170
double-decker buses, 996 standard buses, and 346 articulated buses. The RTA
has prepared comprehensive plans for conducting trips as per preset
timetables, and attached utmost attention to drivers, periodic maintenance,
inspection and surveillance, in addition to security and safety standards.
New integrated bus depots had been built in Jebel Ali, Al Khawaneej, Al
Rawiyyah and Al Awir. An automated system named Automated Vehicle Management
System,' was also developed to control buses movement.
It had been designed in line with the world's best practices, covering a
monitoring and follow-up area of 83 million square meters. This system has
contributed to activating communication between the Control Center and bus
drivers.
To ensure convenience for bus users, and avoid scorching summers, the RTA
has constructed 895 air-conditioned bus shelters for passengers in a bid to
offer first-class services and ensure comfort for bus users. The RTA is yet
poised to install additional 400 air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus
shelters in different areas in Dubai, in keeping with the demand of public
transport users, thus bringing the total number of air-conditioned bus
shelters to 1295. Moreover, solar-powered bus shelters have been installed
as innovative solutions in places lacking electric power.
The RTA had also announced the launch of the first green bus in Dubai with
clean-environment technology, powered by biofuels produced from re-refining
edible oil.
Marine transport
The marine transport sector is an integral part of mass transit systems in
Dubai as it lifts about 13 million riders every year. Due to its importance
of the marine transit modes, which constitute a key part of the public
transport system in the emirate, the RTA had charted a comprehensive plan to
upgrade marine transport systems. The plan includes establishing marine
lines in Dubai Creek, and along the coastline of Jumeirah beaches to serve
tourists in the emirate, not to mention the lines linking the city center to
the man-made islands such as Palm Jumeirah, World Islands and the tourist
resorts on the Arabian Gulf, as part of the plan to integrate marine
transport with other means of transport.
On 4 March 2011, Dubai Ferry was inaugurated, the latest and largest RTA's
marine transport mode which can accommodate 100 passengers. It is the third
project in RTA's strategic plan intended to upgrade the marine transit
system, besides the Water Bus and the Water Taxi. The plan also included
modernizing the traditional Abras.
In May 2010, the Water Taxi was inaugurated, adding a fast means of
transport, integrated with other mass transit systems in the emirate.
The Water Taxi is characterized by its sleek design, smooth roof, and
central air-conditioning system, in addition to its comfortable reclining
seat similar the business class in airplanes, with remotely-controlled LCD
TVs fitted in behind the seat. Each Water Taxi has a capacity of 11
passengers, in addition to the operator. The design of the Water Taxi has
also taken into account the requirements of the disabled.
Over the past ten years, the RTA has completed a number of key projects,
including the retrofitting of 149 abras. The fleet has been beefed up to
reach 175 abras, with abra stations & marinas renovated.
The RTA has launched the Water Bus which measures 12 metres in length, 4
metres in width, weighs 7 tons, and can accommodate 36 passengers. In August
2015, the RTA launched 5 modern Abras emulating the design of traditional
abras. They are eco-friendly and operate on octane fuel, which produces
lower carbon emissions.
Taxis
As part of its strategic vision to prop up the level of service offerings,
the RTA has introduced a host of plans and initiatives to uplift the level
of services of taxicabs in Dubai, which amount today to 9927 vehicles
(including the vehicles of Dubai Taxi Corporation and franchise companies).
This sector offers quality and diverse services to meet the needs of all
community segments.
Dubai Taxi Corporation, which has recently celebrated its 20 anniversary,
was the first to establish a systematic taxi service in Dubai. It accounts
for the lion's share of the market, and is the first entity in the Middle
East to establish a Booking & Dispatch system, an integrated vehicles
tracking system via a wireless network. Dubai Taxi Corporation operates more
than 4,600 vehicles driven by approximately 11,000 cabbies from 38
nationalities.
Dubai Taxi Corporation is a flagship provider of exclusive services such as
Airport Taxi, Ladies Taxi and VIP Taxi. It is also the first entity to offer
services to the people with special needs in the UAE. It has made many
achievements, rendering it one of the world’s top three entities in taxi
services offering.
Since inception, the RTA has been keen on operating environmentally-friendly
public transport. In this regard, the Dubai Taxi Corporation has started
operating hybrid taxis powered by both eco-friendly fuel and electricity, as
part of a comprehensive plan to curb pollution caused by vehicle emissions
in Dubai.
In 2008, the RTA started the tentative operation of 20 hybrid vehicles to
assess their feasibility. The idea proved practicable and the first 20
hybrid vehicles were officially inaugurated in September 2013. The number of
hybrid vehicles jumped to 145 in 2015.
In April of 2015, the RTA started the investment in school transport service
through its investment arm Dubai Taxi Corporation. Starting from the
academic year 2015 – 2016, 111 world-class and eco-friendly buses were
deployed to transport private schools students.
The school transportation buses were equipped by state-of-the-art
technologies such as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) and Geographical
Positioning Systems (GPS) compatible with smart geo-addressing system (Makani)
of Dubai Municipality, and the Tracking System through the Operations
Control Center. All buses are fitted with technologies compatible with the
environmental requirements thanks to their state-of-the-art engines
conforming to Euro IV & V standards, using diesel fuel with only 50 ppm
sulfur content. The buses have deluxe interior finishing, noise-free
environment, ample space, and luxurious seats that ensure students'
convenience, in addition to a hydraulic suspension system that ensures
students easy boarding and alighting.
Licensing
The services on offer by the Licensing Agency witnessed a quantum leap, be
it in terms of the number of registered vehicles, driving licenses or
customers’ service delivery. The number of vehicles registered in Dubai
hiked from 740,000 vehicles in 2006, to 1,526,667 vehicles by the end of
September 2015, while the total number of driving licenses issued topped
2.007 million licenses up to the end of last September.
To keep pace with the rising demand for licensing services, the RTA launched
several initiatives to improve the quality of drivers' training & licensing
services such as raising the traffic awareness of novice drivers, and
integration with the federal traffic system, besides developing &
diversifying RTA's customer service offering outlets. The licensing services
are now offered through new and innovative channels, namely smart
applications, call center, RTA's website, and RTA trusted agents in addition
to the RTA's traditional service centers and service providers. Currently
49 different services are offered via the smart app (drivers and vehicles),
such as issuing certificates, renewing driving licenses, renewing vehicles
ownership and selling plates online, in addition to the commercial licensing
services, certificates validation services, among other services offered via
RTA's website or call center. Customers are no longer required to attend in
person to receive the service; however there are more than 100 services that
require the presence of customers at trusted agents such as insurance
companies and eye-testing centers.
The RTA has thoroughly revamped the drivers training, bringing it at par
with the highest international standards. The training syllabus is
standardized in all driving institutes, bringing it at par with world's best
practices in Sweden, Canada and Australia.
The RTA has also prepared the 15 booklets for instructors, candidates and
examiners in Arabic, English and Urdu languages. These booklets, the first
of their kind in the Middle East, are now accessible to all driving license
applicants.
Smart Services
The RTA has taken the pains of providing premium customer services, and is
keen to diversify the services offering outlets highlighted by smart apps
where 173 RTA's main services have been shifted to smart services offered
via 10 smart apps. This falls in line with the directives of His Highness
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of
the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, by migrating to the smart government ahead of
schedule. The RTA apps are unique, smart, innovative, creative and
user-friendly in a way that gives users satisfaction, as proven by the huge
download rate of RTA apps which has clocked 3.667 million downloads.
The RTA further broadened its smart services in October 2015 by launching
the Smart Mall App in five metro stations. The App, which is the first of
its kind worldwide, allows users to do shopping via an interactive
innovative screen. It has also launched 100 smart air-conditioned bus
shelters for public transport users, where the public can enjoy free
internet connection, in addition to a variety of other services.
Creativity
The RTA adopted innovative solutions to face the transportation challenges
in Dubai. Thanks to the support of the wise leadership, the RTA has managed
to create innovative customer services to bring happiness to the public. It
has a standing innovation committee whose mission is to develop plans,
design programs and launch initiatives to contribute to implementing the
leadership's vision of rendering Dubai the most innovative city in the
world.
The RTA also established a research, development and innovation section in
2014 and launched an annual scientific research award. It adopted the
innovation strategy, which is currently being developed by an international
consultant in keeping with the Government drive. It had also launched the
Innovation Lab Initiative to adopt the world's best practices in various RTA
operations, which would contribute to the realization of RTA’s vision of
ensuring ‘Safe and Smooth Transport for All.’
The RTA has recently started the project of transforming 100 air-conditioned
bus stations into smart stations that enable passengers to enjoy a diverse
array of RTA services. It has launched the Smart Mall initiative in 5 Metro
stations; and as part of its efforts to utilize the latest technologies in
smart mobility, the RTA is currently considering the use of smart autonomous
vehicles in Dubai to be used in Expo 2020.
Ongoing drive
The RTA is going ahead with its drive to meet the requirements of the Dubai
Strategic Plan 2021, and prioritize the construction of infrastructure
projects as spelled out in these plans. The RTA is poised to launch a
wide-ranging matrix of projects, including the Route 2020 Project of
extending the Dubai Metro Red Line from Nakheel Harbour & Tower station to
Expo 2020 site, in addition to the project of constructing a network of
highways, as well as entry and exits leading to Expo site.
The projects also include upgrading Airport Road, Al Wasl and Jumeirah
Roads, and the International City Road, in addition to the parallel roads
project at the Gardens, as well as the Academic City Road Improvement
Project, Al Fay Street Improvement Project, among many other mass transit
projects.
The RTA also seeks to implement transport policies and legislations to
encourage the use of mass transit systems in cooperation with the local and
federal concerned bodies. It also intends to broaden the scope of traffic
systems & modern transportation technologies, and raise awareness of users
of road networks and transportation systems towards encouraging the use of
mass transit means, promoting safety levels, reducing traffic accidents
fatality rates and implementing a set of initiatives & procedures to
encourage walking and cycling in short trips.
Oct 31, 2015
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Courtesy Dubai Media Incorporated
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