H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), unveiled the world's biggest bus purchase transaction; whereby RTARTA will buy 1616 buses of various sizes & models manufactured at the highest security & safety standards. The buses are equipped with the latest technologies such as voice announcement of the next stop, passengers counting system, bus-positioning system linked with the RTARTA Control Center, and internal & external display monitors. Following this deal, the number of buses operated by the RTARTA will jump in 2009 to 2500 buses, providing public transport services covering all areas of Dubai, and providing feeder service to Dubai Metro Stations; a matter which will raise person trips percentage made by public transport modes.

This was made public in the opening session of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) 1^st Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Congress organized by the RTARTA in conjunction with the UITP held under the theme "Towards a smooth public transport journey". The Congress continues till 27^th November. The opening session was attended by H.E. Roberto Cavalieri, President of the UITP, H.E. Hans Rat, Secretary General of the UITP, H.E. Dr. Ali Abood, Executive Director of Government Sector Development Ministry, RTARTA CEOs, Presidents & Chairmen of companies & establishments engaged in public transport sector and a number of experts from the region & the world over.

"Thanks to the wise leadership of HH Shiekh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nehyan, President of the UAE, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE witnessed huge economic growth and turned into a key commercial hub. With its diversified and robust economy, the UAE managed to attract may investors & businessmen, who were also impressed by the excellent infrastructure, international scope, fee economic policy and emphasis made to provide the best of services at the least possible costs" Al Tayer said.

Al Tayer added that holding such conventions in the emirate of Dubai is testament to the high profile & excellent reputation enjoyed by the emirate at the world level. It also reflects the confidence pinned by the international organizations & establishments in the standing of Dubai and its ability to host world-class events in a successful manner. He pointed out that this event is a prelude for the 59^th World Public Transport Congress scheduled to be held in Dubai in 201l; which won the honour to host it after a fierce competition with a number of cosmopolitan cities.

"Mass transit in the emirate of Dubai is considered a vital tool in the daily mobility of inhabitants. Abras plying Dubai Creek lifted in 2006 around 26.7 million commuters, and the public buses lifted around 88 million passengers" said the Chairman & Executive Director of the RTARTA.

"RTARTA is assigning great importance to public transport sector and mass transit and is keen to develop it in terms of type, efficiency and modernization. More emphasis is placed on the technically & administratively trained manpower, as well as follow-up of maintenance and operational efficiency, while assigning utmost priority to traffic safety. RTARTA is seeking to provide an integrated mass transit modes network including buses, marine transport modes, metro and tram, which are characterized by high quality, low operational cost and wide geographical coverage. RTARTA launches various awareness campaigns aiming at orienting the culture and social outlook towards the use of mass transit systems and stepping up integration of services provided by various means of public transport in order to achieve the overall objectives of mass transit system.

RTARTA worked out an ambitious plan to develop the mass transit system with a view to uplift the share of mass transit in the number of trips to 30%. The plan envisages implementation of Dubai Metro project at a cost of AED15 billion and developing mass transit systems through developing public transport buses in terms of increasing the number of buses, trips, routes and service. RTARTA is also engaged in constructing 971 air-conditioned bus stop shelters spread throughout the emirate of Dubai. Developing marine transport projects is underway at a cost exceeding one billion dirham. The plans aim at operating 10 water buses, with a capacity of 35 passengers per bus and the service started in July 2007, in addition to 6 ferries each capable of accommodating 120 commuters, and the service is planned for launching in 2008.

Hans Rat, Secretary General of the UITP, said that the intense participation in the conference reflects the important and vital nature of mass transit in the region. "The activities in the MENA region have been continuously growing since the first conference held in Dubai in 2003 and the establishment of the MENA Division in 2005" he said. He added: "Trainings, business forums and workshops have been organised in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Syria and Iran to mention only a few examples. Study tours and trade missions took place within and outside the region for MENA members. Customised information and services have been developed to answer specific requests. In a very short period of time, the MENA Division has succeeded to become one of the most active membership bodies of UITP. The MENA Congress and Showcase will be the major event of the Division and a key event for public transport professionals and experts working in the MENA".

He further added that the rapid expansion of UITP activities in the region reflects the booming development of public transport systems in the region. Nearly all the region's major conurbations are currently completing final studies prior to investment and the majority of which will be opened between 2008 and 2012.

"The MENA region, which extends from Morocco to Iran, represents a market which is home to over 300 million inhabitants. The region is also recording sustained and rapid economic growth (+5.1% per year on average). It is heavily urbanised (60% of its population). Most of the region's cities have not developed or organised any heavy public transport systems at a large scale. They were suffering from a lack of mobility policy at a time when transport demand was constantly on the rise. Having identified the problems and their negative impact on the economy and society, national governments have now embarked on structural reforms and on major infrastructure projects. Cairo, Tehran and Tunis have already implemented and operated urban rail systems and are expanding them. Several cities will follow such as Algiers, Riyadh, Amman, Damascus, Mashhad, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City and of course Dubai which is building what will be the world's longest driverless and automated metro network".

The Secretary General of the UITP said: "Hundreds of kilometres of city and regional rail systems are being built in MENA countries which make the region one of the most promising markets".

H.E. Dr. Ali Abood, Executive Director of Government Sector Development Ministry, welcomed the visitors and said that the UAE is honoured to host this global event which sheds light on the latest global technology and the challenges facing this vital sector; which has direct impact on the economic & social life.

"The key challenges facing the countries of the region, is mobility and traffic safety, such that it now commands huge attention from the governments of the countries which are seeking to confront these challenges very seriously. They were keen to launch of huge transport projects to offer an easy and safe transportation. GCC countries are also keen to enhance the performance of transport and safety, for example the UAE is always keen to provide an integrated public transportation system, through continuous development for the roads network, the railways and the metro. All of these are now incorporated in the UAE Train Project; which will boost inter-emirate transportation. The project is currently under detailed & economic studies before being submitted to the Council of Ministers. UAE is also keen to proceed developing sustained transport services and improve federal & local roads network to match the best in the world so as to cater for the rapid demographic growth and economic development witnessed by the UAE.

"I am pleased to highlight the efforts of the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai that succeeded in offering integrated transportation system for the public transport, such as the Metro project and the modern busses and taxis. RTARTA has also succeeded in developing a integrated roads network that helped in reducing traffic jams and ensured safety and easy transportation.

GCC countries are keen to develop vital transport projects and several countries in the region are developing rail projects which are expected to add great value to the national economies and serve the region.

Developing the transport sector is a big responsibility for all of us, and can't be developed without new legislations and laws. Establishing special authorities to organize transportation and adopting the latest technologies, are highly needed to ensure best transport services and high levels of safety.

It is highly recommended to draw an effective strategy that is able to achieve best practices in the transport sector, and to form committees that can enhance cooperation between the Middle East countries, and to plan for a common transport project that links all the countries together, and to invite the international expertise to come and be a part of these suggestions.

The suggested strategy is good to include awareness programs inside the cities and on the borders, to consolidate the culture of driving and to reduce traffic jams and accidents.

Opening of the Showcase:

After that H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, accompanied by the UITP President and attendants opened the Exhibition in which 40 countries take part. The showcase provides the latest technologies and services in the field of transport including buses, rail systems, booking, distribution, parking and others.

-Ends-

© Press Release 2007

 

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