Al Dossari: We are endeavouring to inspire proper mass transit concepts in the community
Dubai (United Arab Emirates): The Public Transport Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), recently hosted at its HQ in Muhaisnah the sessions of the International Training Programme held under the theme (Public Transport Fundamentals). During the course, which lasted three days, lectures were delivered by experts from the International Association of Public Transport (UITP). Also took part in the sessions a host of experts in public transport field from the RTA, Transport Dep't in Abu Dhabi, and authorities / agencies operating public transport in the GCC as well as Middle East & North Africa (MENA) countries.
In a welcoming speech marking this event, Essa Abdul Rahman Al-Dosari, CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency, said: "We in Public Transport Agency are working to instill and enhance the proper conceptions of mass transit across a wide spectrum of the community. We are always counting on the expertise of advanced countries which made considerable strides down this drive and managed over 100 years or more to reach a superb level of public transport modal integration. RTA is keen to benefit from the expertise of these countries and do its level best to realize its strategic objective of boosting mass transit ridership share from the existing 6% to 30% by 2020.
"RTA is still in the early stages and has a lot of challenges to face while seeking to meet its objectives of expanding and developing public transport sector, including buses, metro, tram, marine transport, taxis and other mass transit modes. This helps the integration of the activities of this vital sector; which is viewed as the cornerstone of progress to be made in economic, commercial, real estate, tourist and service fields as well as other vital sectors.
"Training & qualifying courses play a crucial role in furthering and expanding the knowledge of transport sector employees as well as polishing their skills and enhancing their overall performance. They are considered an effective tool in building human competencies and accordingly contribute to upgrading the business conduct and serving the clients of this sector, which is shaping as a platform for advancement in all fields. Training benefits will undoubtedly be reflected on the level of services rendered in all public transport modes. They will also be felt in minimizing traffic bottlenecks, the number of daily accidents and pollution rate, while contributing to enhancing individual and corporate productivity.
"The emirate of Dubai, represented by the RTA, provided all facilities and extended various sorts of support to establish the regional office of the UITP for MENA countries, located within the main premises of Public Transport Agency" added the CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency.
He also hailed the incessant efforts of the UITP to furnish affiliated member countries with expertise and information needed to establish a mass transit network which is flexible, safe, comfortable and affordable by all community segments.
Over 3 days discussions covered a lot of issues and topics of concern to public transport sector. These included the importance of public transport sector, issues related to rules and regulations to boost the role of public transport, ways & means of financing public transport projects, wording of contracts & tenders of transport projects, public transport modes and modal choice, pricing & ticketing of transport line networks, bus network planning & operation, and the importance of marketing & communication in public transport sector.
The programmed also witnessed interactive workshops where all participants engaged in lively discussions with UITP experts to exchange views & proposals and benefit from the experience of the UITP in this regard. Participants were awarded participation certificates issued from the UITP for taking part in this programme.
It is worth mentioning that the emirate of Dubai won the privilege of hosting the 59th UITP Congress and Showcase 2011, following a fierce competition with Singapore and Sydney. Dubai was selected by the UITP in view of its capabilities and potentials to bring success to this important global event, thanks to its extensive experience in staging expos and conventions. Moreover, the far-sighted futuristic vision of the emirate qualifies it to be a premier venue for projects & initiatives launched by MENA countries seeking to broaden and enhance their public transport networks.
Equally, Dubai was also successful in hosting the first MENA Congress and Showcase last year, attracting wide-ranging participating from about 350 delegates representing 50 countries. The accompanying expo witnessed participation from 40 leading global businesses & entities engaged in public transport industry. Several products and innovative solutions were exhibited in the Showcase, attracting huge numbers of visitors over three days.
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© Press Release 2008
