19 Feb 2007

First, the bad news. The problem of the Dubai roads will always be there, so we are authoritatively informed. But then you knew that, didn't you? The promises of a better tomorrow are never achieved and the situation goes from bad to worse. It is almost as if it is insoluble, or the planners have given up on the idea.

But wait, I hear you say, there's the new Metro, destined to be in service some day soon; there's the new parallel road to Shaikh Zayed Road; there's the new Dubai by-pass; there's new bridges coming along - totalling 47 in all; there's lots of new road developments being introduced, all of which will make congestion a thing of the past. Wrong.

As it is the roads are congested to the point of extreme user frustration, wasted time, energy (fuel) and money just in getting from one part of Dubai to another - forget about the shambles of going to Sharjah or further afield. If the thinking behind all these congestions and delays is to encourage people to live and work further out of the city, then it is not working because not enough companies are taking the hint and moving out. So it means commuting, as many people do every day.

Wrong again

Thinking it as a way to reduce the congestion on one of its main arterial highways, Shaikh Zayed Road, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) alighted upon the "brilliant" concept of charging a road toll between its busiest sections. They estimate it will reduce traffic usage on this section by up to 25 per cent. Wrong again.

Had proper alternatives been put into place before the implementation of the toll, intended for this July, then there might have been a nominal decrease in traffic movement on the chosen section. But with the increase in the number of vehicles being registered each month the figure is more than doubtful. Without alternative routes, the figure becomes improbable. The suggested alternatives presently in operation already suffer from enormous tailbacks almost every day, but particularly at peak hours (a phrase which becomes redundant when seeing how much traffic is always on the move).

The traffic problem will persist for a number of reasons, aside from bad road design. First, there is inadequate public transport and very little encouragement for the masses to use what transport there is now. One method, for example, could be to introduce large free car parks situated out of town in residential areas, with free shuttle buses commuting to and from town or industrial areas. This will surely go a long way to reducing the number of vehicles on the roads. Or, if that is too bold, why not increase the number of buses and destinations and create bus-only lanes in and around the city. A fast-moving public bus service does wonders to help increase passenger usage.

Another reason for continued traffic woes is simply one of logistics. As more and more residential and commercial accommodation is developed and occupied, so the number of people will increase to fill those spaces, along with the number of vehicles on the road. So, as Dubai (and other emirates) expands, present problems will not only persist but also be aggravated and become worse.

Anyone who thinks things are bad enough now will be in for a rude awakening in a few years and will look back on these times with nostalgia. They will recall with a warm glow the fact it only took two hours to commute to and from work, but now takes nearly three. But they will also have to resign themselves to the fact that the problem is pretty much universal in all major cities around the world.

The RTA seems to believe the way to resolve transport problems is to financially penalise road users. Not enough parking spaces? No problem, install parking meters and charge everyone for parking - that will solve it. Except it does not. It merely frustrates drivers even further as they wend their way round the same roads, seeking a place, any place, where they can park without penalty. And see what penalties are charged should they be compelled to err!

Too much traffic on the roads? Again, no problem - charge road tolls. But we know the answer to that; it achieves nothing other than additional income for the RTA. But be warned, we are threatened with the fact that many other roads in Dubai will have a toll charges imposed. Sadly, it's all these little extras - not always hidden - that makes it so tough to accept.

That's the bad news.

I'm sorry - there is no good news.

Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.