Commemorative Nol Card to be launched 2 days ahead of UITP Congress

Commemorative Nol Card to be launched 2 days ahead of UITP Congress

Roads & Transport Authority – Nashwan Atta'ee:

With effect from Friday, the 8th of April 2011 i.e. two days ahead of the 59th UITP (International Association of Public Transport) Congress and Mobility & City Transport Exhibition, the Automated Fare Collection Department, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will offer Nol Silver Card depicting the UITP Congress’s logo in commemoration of the event to be held for the first time ever in the Middle East and North Africa. The card will have the same value of the currently used one i.e. AED 20.
Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, Board Member of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Chairperson of the Higher Organizing Committee of the 59th UITP Congress and Mobility & City Transport Exhibition, stated that the RTA had mobilized its full potentials and capabilities to make this event a success and promote it locally, regionally and globally.

Al Mulla continued: “Nol Silver Cards will also be distributed to participants in the Congress and its accompanying Exhibition to provide them with smooth mobility within Dubai Emirate throughout the days of the event so that they can have the opportunity to experience RTA’s mass transit modes and the supporting infrastructures.”

“The Nol Silver Card marking the event will be sold at all RTA’s Metro and public bus stations. Nol card is intended to be the best means of paying mobility fares in Dubai through using a single card covering all mass transport modes, hence saving both time and effort for users. The card is also provided with an e-purse for use based on pay-as-you-go system,” Al Mulla added.
Today, the Nol Card is the ideal and best choice for mobility using public transport modes in Dubai, including the metro, public buses and water buses, and can also be used to pay car parking fees.

Public Transport Agency launches new feeder bus service at JAFZA

Public Transport Agency launches new feeder bus service at JAFZA

Roads & Transport Authority – Nashwan Attaa’ee:

The Director of Business Development, Public Transport Agency at Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Mohammed Abu Baker Al Hashimi revealed that the Agency has launched on March 11 a new feeder bus service shuttling between Jebel Ali Metro Station and the southern part of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Area.

“The new Route (F54), will start off Jebel Ali Metro station at the southern part of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Area to serve workers and employees of JAFZA arriving at the said station; rendering the internal mobility within the Free Zone Area an effective, smooth and speedy exercise,” said Al Hashimi.

“RTA is keen on expanding and improving public transport network to keep pace with the urban expansion of Dubai Emirate. The feeder bus service of the Dubai Metro is one of the strategic initiatives and key pillars of integrating the public transport network in the Emirate beside raising the percentage of trips made by public transport modes through enticing all community segments to use them in their daily travels; which will have positive repercussions on spreading the culture of using mass transit modes in the community.
“Bus Route (F 54) starts from Jebel Ali Metro station and passes across about 30 companies & entities based in JAFZA such as Globelink West Star Shipping LLC, PharmaCare, John Crane Middle East, and Al Ras Steel Trading FZCO to eventually reach the southern part of JAFZA.

RTA endorses construction of local roads in three residential areas

RTA endorses construction of local roads in three residential areas

Al Tayer: Local roads completion rate hits 96% in Mizhar / Muhaisna, 75% in Nad Al Sheba

Roads and Transport Authority - Mohammed Al Munji:

The Board of Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), chaired by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director, has recently approved the construction of local road projects in three residential districts; namely Al Khawaneej 1, Al Barsha 1, 2 & 3, and Al Warqa 1, 2, 3 & 4.

HE Mattar Al Tayer said that the construction of road projects in residential areas stemmed from RTA's keenness to develop and improve roads network to address the needs of urbanization and population growth in the Emirate; an integral part of RTA's Vision of providing Safe and Smooth Transport for All.

"The local roads project in Al Khawaneej 1, which is one of the densely populated areas witnessing continuously growing urbanization rate as high as 65 per cent and is still on the rise, includes completing the design and construction of unpaved (main and local) roads in the remaining parts of Khawaneej 1 Residential Area, (Area No. 281) as well as lighting works. This area covers 425 hectares with roads spanning 38 km. Construction works in the project are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2011, with an estimated duration of 16 months," stated Al Tayer.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director further said, "The local roads project in Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3, spans an area of 1300 hectares and covers the construction of local roads and lighting works stretching 115 km, construction of new 63 km-long roads, and improvements to the existing roads in a sector of a total length of 52 km. The importance of constructing this project is underscored by the construction and urbanization rate exceeding 85 per cent in this area and the presence of commercial complexes and centres. Construction works in the project are set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2011 and continue over 30 months approximately.

"The local roads project in Al Warqa 1, 2, 3, and 4, which covers an area of 1154 hectares, includes the construction of roads and lighting works stretching 118 km, construction of new roads extending 92 km, and carrying out improvements to the existing roads over an area spanning 26 km."

"Al Warqa is witnessing a uniquely active urban movement, side by side with the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment project which has more than 500 residential units, such that urbanization percentage has reached nearly 65 per cent in the area. The project will start in the fourth quarter of 2011, and take about 30 months to complete.

"RTA is currently constructing a number of local roads in Nad Al Sheba, Al Mizhar and Muhaisna. The completion rate of local roads in Nad Al Sheba 2 has hit 75 per cent, and all works are expected to be completed in the first half of the current year."

"The project is part of roads development phases in Nad Al Sheba 2 located between Al Manama Road, Al Ain Road and Emirates Road, and includes the construction of 14 km-long local roads, 2 roundabouts, and pavement of alleyways in addition to lighting and drainage works.
"Construction works of local roads in the Al Mizhar 1 and Muhaisna 1 have reached their concluding stages, with a completion rate reaching 96 per cent, and all construction works are slated for completion by the end of the second quarter of 2011,” explained Al Tayer.
"The project also includes the construction and maintenance of secondary arterial roads extending up to 7 km, collector roads extending 8 km, and local roads extending 46 km, in addition to the construction of roadside parking spaces, and rehabilitation of some roads in addition to other works related to road planning, traffic signs and light signals,” concluded Al Tayer.

Al Tayer inspects Jebel Ali Metro Station’s readiness to receive passengers on Friday

Al Tayer inspects Jebel Ali Metro Station’s readiness to receive passengers on Friday

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inspected the Jebel Ali Metro Station yesterday to make sure that all systems go for the station to receive the metro riders as of today (Friday), where Customer Service staff and inspectors have already taken their positions at various sites of the station.

In a tour during which he was accompanied by the CEO of Rail Agency Adnan Al Hammadi, Al Tayer inspected the terminal station on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro and met with employees encouraging them to commit dedicated efforts and improve the customer service experience in order to win customers’ satisfaction. He also urged them to apply the rules and regulations set out by the RTA for maintaining various facilities of the Dubai Metro project.

Te opening of Jebel Ali Metro Station brings the number of Metro Stations opened to 27. The Jebel Ali Station is characterized as the only metro station built at the ground level and measures 132 meters in length and 29 meters in width and has a total capacity to handle about 11 thousand passengers per hour per direction.
The Jebel Ali Station mainly serves Jebel Ali area and in particular the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) North and South as well as Jebel Ali Port. Jebel Ali Industrial Area is a home of about 6600 companies employing about 129 thousand employees and the number of staff accommodated within JAFZA is in the order of 40 thousand employees.

“As Jebel Ali Station is located at the terminal point of the Red Line, the track of trains in operation is extended by 9 km to reach 53 km. RTA will operate 24 trains in the morning peak hours and 29 trains in the evening peak hours at an interval between services (headway) ranging from 6 to 8 minutes in the morning peak period, and from 5 to 6 minutes in the evening peak period,” said Al Tayer.

“Through Serco Co., the Dubai Metro operator, RTA has finalized all technical testing and trials of the metro including testing the communication systems, auto operation systems, power feed, air-conditioning, on-board electronic devices, lighting systems and the integration and interfacing of all various rail subsystems and components. RTA has also completed the training of front-end and customer service employees at the stations on various systems and the staff have already been deployed at the station following the completion of intensive training courses in customer service, implementation of regulations and procedures set out by the RTA for preserving the facilities of the project, and law enforcement against offenders,” added Al Tayer.

Photo:
Al Tayer inspecting Jebel Ali Metro Station

RTA: Public transport info goes online through Google Maps

RTA: Public transport info goes online through Google Maps

Roads & Transport Authority – Nashwan Attaa’ee:

The Information Technology Department, Corporate Technical Support Services Sector, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that all public transport information have been digitalized and overlaid through Google Maps, availing the users of public buses, metro, water taxi, and water bus among residents, visitors and tourists of the Emirate the opportunity to plan ahead their daily travels through this easy-to-use technology on offer for all internet users round the clock.
The CEO of RTA Technical Support Services Sector Abdullah Al Madani said, “RTA Information Technology Dep’t has completed the posting of the updated transport information in respect of all public transport means spanning buses, metro, water bus and water taxi in Dubai Emirate on Google Maps through integrating them with RTA Journey Planner service, known as Wojhati. The digitalization of all types of public transport information has been completed following the signing of a partnership agreement between the RTA and Google Inc.

“RTA is keen on using sophisticated technologies and the initiative of uploading mass transit modes information on Google Maps is a co-service intended to enhance the “Journey Planner” initiative launched by the RTA. This initiative will definitely enable the users of all public transport means in Dubai Emirate to easily plan their daily travels on public buses, metro, water bus or water taxi at any time they might wish through the digital Google Maps displayed on the internet or smart phones. The technology enables users to glimpse the routes of the suggested journey on Dubai Emirate maps along with the detailed information, schedules and the specific fare applicable to each journey.

“This service aims at assisting users of all types of public transport in Dubai Emirate in establishing the optimum mobility method, and enlisting the available options of public transport routes depending on the starting point, destinations and travel times. The service also enables both residents & visitors to inquire about the timing and routes of journeys of all types of public transport from Google Maps. In this sense, Dubai has become one of the leading cosmopolitan cities which have made huge public transport advancements worldwide; epitomizing RTA vision of providing Safe and Smooth Transport for All,” he added.

It is noteworthy that RTA has signed an Agreement with Google Inc (Middle East) in 2009 whereby public bus network in Dubai Emirate has been uploaded and Dubai has become the first city in the Middle East to upload its bus network in these charts. In so doing Dubai has become one of more than 50 cosmopolitan cities to use this technology such as London, Paris, New York, and Zurich among other global cities with sophisticated public transport networks.

To experiment this service, please log on to: http://maps.google.com, then search for Dubai Emirate.

RTA opens Jebel Ali Metro Station next Friday, Red Line expands 9 km

RTA opens Jebel Ali Metro Station next Friday, Red Line expands 9 km

Al Tayer: 24 trains deployed in morning peak, 29 trains in evening peak

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will open next Friday 11 March, Jebel Ali Station; the terminal station on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro, raising the total number of stations opened to 27 stations. The Station, the sole at-Grade station on the line, measures about 132 meters in length and 29 meters in width and has a total capacity of handling 11 thousand passengers per her per direction.

Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority, said: “The Jebel Ali Station is mainly intended to serve Jebel Ali area and in particular the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) North and South as well as Jebel Ali Port. Jebel Ali Industrial Area is the home of about 6600 companies employing about 129 thousand employees and the number of staff accommodated within JAFZA is in the order of 40 thousand employees.

“As Jebel Ali Station is located at the terminal point of the Red Line, the rail track of trains in operation is extended by 9 km to reach 53 km. RTA will operate 27 trains in the morning peak hours and 29 trains in the evening peak hours while the interval between train services (headway) will range from 6 to 8 minutes in the morning peak period, and from 5 to 6 minutes in the evening peak period.

“Through Serco Co., the Metro operator, RTA has finalized all technical trail runs of the metro including the testing of communication systems, automatic operation systems, power feed, air-conditioning, on-board electronic devices, lighting systems and the integration and interfacing of all various rail subsystems and components. RTA has also completed the training of front-end and customer service employees at the stations on various systems and the staff have already been deployed at the station following the completion of intensive training courses in customer service, implementation of regulations and procedures set out by the RTA for preserving the facilities of the project, and law enforcement against offenders,” added Al Tayer.
Metro Riders

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director stated the metro ridership in last January and February topped 9.3 millions: 4.7 million passengers in January (31 days), and 4.6 million passengers in February (28 days). In 2010 the metro has lifted 38.888 million passengers and the current daily average of the metro ridership is in the order of 149 thousand persons, according to the statements revealed by RTA Statistics Office.

RTA sets 100 bike stands across Dubai

RTA sets 100 bike stands across Dubai

The step aims to minimize the environmental pollution, curb disorderly parking of bikes across the city

Road & Transport Authority – Manal Khalid:

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has set 100 locations for parking bikes in key areas across the Emirate with the aim of inducing an additional mobility means in a well rehearsed approach intended to minimize the reliance on private vehicles in traveling, particularly for short distances.

Commenting on this move the Director of Strategic Planning, RTA Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector Nasir Abu Shehab said: “RTA intended to provide parking spaces for bicycles near all the metro stations in a bid to enhance the integration of the Dubai Metro with other transit modes in the Emirate. In an advanced phase of the Project, all the metro stations will be integrated with the dedicated cycling tracks.”
Abu Shehab continued: “All areas served by the cycling tracks will be fitted with bike stands including key areas such as the Gold Souk, abra marinas, Al Shindagha area, Al Fuhaidi Museum and Al Bastakiya area. RTA plan also includes setting bike racks at other prime locations such as malls, recreational clubs, schools, colleges, and hospitals as well as public & private entities.

“The provision of cycle stands is a vital requirement that has to be addressed on the ground in an effort to eliminate haphazard parking of bikes at unsuitable locations such as tying them to lighting poles, traffic signals and trees; a practice which inflicts damage to public properties, blocks visibility of motorists & road users, occupies walkways & obstructs pedestrian movement and distorts the general appearance of the area, particularly the tourist destinations.

“RTA has finalized studies encompassing the construction of cycling tracks with an overall length of about 900 km under 5 phases scheduled for completion by 2020. The trial run of the Project has started in some key spots in Dubai such as the streets of Jumeirah, Dubai Academic City, Nad El Sheba and Al Mankhool in addition to the Creek Corniche. Work has been completed in the construction of cycling tracks at Jumeirah Street in a sector extending 12 km and the work in other phases will proceed according to plan in order to complete the tracks under the trial phase extending 32 km.

“The following stage of the Project will see the completion of the initial phase comprising cycling tracks extending 122 km in key Dubai streets. Emphasis will be placed to prioritizing the completion of the project in densely populated areas, especially those populated by cyclists or bustling with activities & public amenities with the aim of easing the transit of cyclists to the metro stations.

“The project involves diversification of transit modes particularly towards advocating the use of environment-friendly means. It also provides a safe environment for cyclists and improves the health aspects of Dubai residents through encouraging them to use bikes and accordingly minimize the air pollution through reducing the use of vehicles,“ said the Director of Strategic Planning, RTA Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector.

He further commented: “The cycling tracks encompass three different designs dictated by the nature of streets in terms of traffic volumes, vehicular speed, internal roads, express tie roads and low traffic volumes. Though cycling tracks will share the existing roads, they will be demarcated with clear markings and the higher the speed and traffic flow, the wider will be the cycling tracks.”

As regards the main roads with high driving speed and traffic volumes, Nasir Abu Shehab reported that the width of the cycling track would range from 1.5 meter to 4 meters maximum. “The cycling tracks will be painted in a distinctive colour and fitted with reflective ground markings replicating the shape of the bike such that they will be recognizable and visible at all times. Moreover, the tracks will be equipped with directional and traffic signage illustrating the exclusivity of using these tracks by cycles” added Abu Shehab in a final comment.

RTA launches the Dubai Travel Pass "Terhaal" initiative

RTA launches the Dubai Travel Pass "Terhaal" initiative

The pack is now available at selected outlets

Roads & Transport Authority – Nashwan Atta'ee
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has the Dubai Travel Pass (Terhaal) initiative out in the market through selected outlets and will be widely available to tourists from the first week of the New Year.

Yousef Jawad CEO of RTA's Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector explained that the initiative is an attempt to give visitors to Dubai the ability to use public transportation with relative ease upon arrival in the Emirate. The intention is to provide means for visitors to travel from their homes and back to their homes seamlessly. Over a phased launch period, the pack will be available to tourists at various points during their trips, to allow them to decide on ground transport, while developing their visit plans.
“The overall objective of this initiative, which is launched in partnership with DNATA, is to ensure that visitors are given an immediate overview of public transport modes including Dubai Metro, Dubai Bus and Dubai Water Bus, which are the public transport modes provided by RTA in a smooth and safe environment, thanks to the advanced infrastructure, facilities and services implemented by the RTA over the last 5 years,” said Jawad.

“Through rolling out this initiative, RTA is intending to ease the mobility of tourists across Dubai, while also make their visit a memorable experience, brought on by the use of some of the best infrastructure and systems in the world besides contributing to the enhancement of the tourism in the Emirate,” he continued.

“The Dubai Travel Pass, which is priced at (AED65), includes two Silver Nol Cards, booklets about the integrated public transport systems, maps, information of interest to visitors, places to visit and how to get to those places using public transport, as well as other general information such as telephone numbers of emergency service, police, embassies, and ambulance. The pack also includes various value-added offers for use in Dubai on the trip, courtesy of RTA and its partners.”

"The forthcoming phases of the project will see different variants of the pack that tourists will be able to choose from. There will be long-term plans to make the (Terhaal) available to tourists in their countries of origin as well, added the CEO of RTA's Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector."

Four most important Qs and As about the Dubai Travel Pack (Terhaal):
Why is RTA doing it?
• To provide the advantages of public transport to visitors coming into the country.
• To help them save while traveling in Dubai.
• To promote usage of public transport.

Who does it benefit?
• The tourist population.
Where can we get it?
• All RTA customer service centers.
• DNATA Travel outlets at Dubai Clock Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah .Its also available at the DNATA counters at the following Shopping Malls: Burjuman Centre | Deira City Centre | Al Twar Mall | Mercato | Dubai Mall | Mall of the Emirates | Uptown Mirdiff | Wafi & the Airport Terminal 1 Arrivals and Low Cost Carrier Counter.
Where do I get more details from?
• For further Details Call RTA @ 800 90 90 (RTA's call centre number)

RTA to open all bridges, tunnels of 1st Interchange on SZR end of next Jan

RTA to open all bridges, tunnels of 1st Interchange on SZR end of next Jan

Al Tayer: Opening the I/C marks the end of the final and 6th Phase of Ras Al Khor Roads Contract stretching 14 km

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the completion of all construction works at the 1st Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road; which will be opened for traffic by the end of January 2011. He added that by opening this vital interchange, RTA would finalize the 6th and final phase of Ras Al Khor Road Contracts; which extends more than 14 km from the Airport Tunnel northward terminating at the 1st Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road southward.

“The remaining works at the 1st Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road will be completed in four stages. RTA will open today (Wednesday) the main bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road ensuring traffic flow coming from the Financial Center Road (Upper and Lower Decks) heading towards Sheikh Zayed Road in the Abu Dhabi-bound direction, and also ensures the flow of traffic from Al Safa Road to Sheikh Zayed Road in the direction of Abu Dhabi. Next Saturday, RTA will open the widening of Sheikh Zayed Road near Burj Khalifa in the direction of the Financial Center Road,” said Al Tayer.

“In the first half of next January, RTA will open the third stage of the Project ensuring free traffic flow from Sheikh Zayed Road towards the Dubai International Financial Center across Tunnel No 2, and also ensuring the flow of traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road in the direction from Dubai heading towards Al Safa Road, in addition to a free passage for traffic inbound from Sheikh Zayed Road heading towards the Financial Center Road (Lower Deck).
“The Final stage of the Project, which will be opened by the end of next January, RTA will open the main Tunnel No 1 parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road linking Al Satwa and Al Wasl areas passing underneath Al Safa Road.

“The 1st Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road Project, which is one of the biggest interchanges undertaken by the RTA, comprises bridges extending more than 3 kms and tunnels measuring 850 meters, and the total cost of the Project, which is being constructed by the Italian Salini Co, is about 617 million dirham. The new Interchange will provide free traffic flow in all directions linking Sheikh Zayed Road and the Upper & Lower Decks of the Financial Center Road. It also includes the construction of a tunnel linking the road passing at the backside of Mazaya Center and the road passing at the backside of towers overlooking Sheikh Zayed Road, in addition to the widening of Al Safa Road and improving the intersections at the road in a sector extending up to Al Wasl Road.

“The importance of this Project is underlined by its vital location on Sheikh Zayed Road and in the vicinity of Burj Khalifa and the Financial Center districts. It links these districts with the main surrounding roads such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Financial Center Road, and Al Safa Road; an area considered as the most congested and important zone on Sheikh Zayed Road due to its vicinity to key and vital areas of the Emirate in terms of tourist, economical and investment aspects,” added Al Tayer.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director hailed the efforts made by engineers of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency who supervised this project despite the huge difficulties and challenges confronting the progress of this project, while attending to the highest occupational safety standards throughout the work sites.

“These projects come in the context of RTA strategy to keep pace with the urbanization drive, meet the requirements of demographic growth as well as the current and projected expansion of roads and transportation networks. They mark the transition witnessed by the Emirate as a highly reputable cosmopolitan city and a global hub for tourists, visitors and business leaders from all over the world, besides its lofty reputation as a center for regional and international conventions & exhibitions; which warrants continuing with the development process and maintaining the appearance of the city in order to live up to its billing.

“RTA will continue the construction works of key and arterial roads in Dubai Emirate as part of integrated road widening projects under a strategy aimed at providing sophisticated services to residents and offering practical and universal solutions that ensure smooth traffic flow towards realization of RTA vision of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All,” said Al Tayer in a final remark.

Photos:
- Mattar Al Tayer
- Layout of the project stages to be opened

Parallel Roads Project at Business Bay set for completion in mid 2011 – RTA

Parallel Roads Project at Business Bay set for completion in mid 2011 – RTA

Al Tayer: RTA has completed two phases of the Parallel Roads Project
Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), confirmed that work is progressing in the Parallel Roads Project at the Business Bay area and the project is set for completion according to the approved schedule in two phases; the first to be completed in the first half of 2011 and the second phase to be completed by the end of 2011.

Al Tayer made this statement during a site tour of the project which is considered a key part of the Parallel Roads (to Sheikh Zayed Road) Project which comprises the construction of two new parallel corridors in the area between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road; namely the Eastern Parallel Road and the Western Parallel Road. These two roads branch out of Sheikh Rashid Road in the north and extend southward to terminate at the outskirts of Abu Dhabi Emirate. These road sectors which extend 108 km, comprise bridges and intersections at the junctions with perpendicular roads with a total length of 42 km.

Due to the massive nature and expanse work scope of the vital Parallel Roads Project, construction works have been divided into ten phases; some of them have been completed, and others underway while four phases are still under the initial design, final design or tendering process.

During the tour Al Tayer was accompanied by the CEO of Public Transport Agency Essa Abdul Rahman Al Dosari, Director of Roads Nabeel Mohammed Salih and several directors and engineers at RTA Traffic & Roads Agency.

At the start of the tour, Al Tayer was briefed on the work progress in this phase of the project which costs about 84 million dirham and aims to complement the internal roads at the Business Bay district in an area located between Sheikh Zayed Road in the north, Meydan Road in the west, Financial Center Road in the east and Al Khail Road in the south. The project comprises the construction of roads extending 6 km to link the parallel roads with the internal roads of the Business Bay to ease the traffic flow in the area in addition to the construction of road linking up with Al Khail Road. The Project also comprises the construction of a 200-meter long bridge, 12 light signals and storm water drainage network.

The Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA inspected the work progress in Phase II of the Project; which costs about 214 million dirham and comprises the construction of roads extending 16 km, a 600-meter long bridge, 7 light signals and storm water drainage network.

“The Parallel Roads Project is one of the mega projects undertaken by the RTA and its first phase comprises the construction of bridges leading to Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud Bridges involving the construction of two main bridges through using precast concrete slabs in a sector extending 4236 meters in length and 15 meters in length with two lanes in each direction. The Project serves the traffic movement from Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Road at Lamcy Plaza to 313 Road opposite to the World Trade Center. It also serves the traffic in the opposite direction from 313 Road opposite to the World Trade Center to Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud Bridges as well as Dubai – Al Ain Road. The project comprises improvement of the traffic signals at the World Trade Center, infrastructure works and lighting works.

“The completion rate has almost reached 90% in Phase III (B) extending from a point near Emirates Hills across large urban communities such as the immediate vicinity of Jebel Ali Racecourse, Emirates Hills, Springs, Meadows, Jumeirah Islands and Jumeirah Park. The road which extends about 20 km accounts for 14% of the total length of the Parallel Roads Project, comprising three to four lanes in each direction. The Project, which is being undertaken by Al Naboodah Construction Co, includes the construction of six bridges, and three underpasses at the back of the Eastern & Western Roads, in addition to several construction works covering utility lines, pavements, road signage & marking, lighting, sewage water, rainwater drainage and landscaping.

“The completion rate has reached about 60% in Phase III (A) at Jumeirah Lakes Towers; which links property complexes of Emaar and Nakheel companies in the area to the south of Sheikh Zayed Road between Interchanges 5 and 5.5. The Project, which is constructed by the Italian Todini Co, includes the construction of a 10-km long road of 3 lanes in each direction, 7 separate bridges, and one tunnel. This Phase, which accounts for 7% of the total Parallel Roads Project, also includes construction-related activities such as utility lines, pavements, signage, road marking, lighting traffic diversion, and the protection of the existing utility lines.

“The Contractor of the first contract of the Parallel Roads Project is nearing completion of the contract works which include construction of roads at Al Barsha, Al Qouz Industrial & Residential Areas stretching from Hissa Road in the south up to Meydan Road in the north in a total length of 15 km in the Eastern Parallel Road and 18 km in the Western Parallel Road. The roads comprise three lanes in each direction and several intersecting arterial and express roads such as Umm Suqeim Road, Latifa bint Hamdan Road and others. It also includes 25 signalized junctions in addition to other related road works such as irrigation, sewage, lighting and signage.

“The completion rate has hit 55% in Phase IV of the Project which serves Jebel Ali Free Zone, and Al Maktoum Airport. It comprises the construction of roads extending 22 km with two lanes in each direction of the Eastern and Western Parallel Roads,” said Al Tayer in a concluding remark.

Captions:
- Mattar Al Tayer attending to a briefing about the work progress in the project.
- Work in the project progresses according to the approved schedule.

Dubai Metro shapes into a super transit means, attracts more passengers

Dubai Metro shapes into a super transit means, attracts more passengers


Roads & Transport Authority – Nashwan Attaa’ee:

Since the foundation stone of the Dubai Metro was laid down through the launch of the project on 09/09/09, the Rail Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) had paid every attention to the provision of all facilities & potentials to provide classy services to the metro passengers whether at stations or on board the trains in order to make this mode the first choice of all public transport users in Dubai Emirate, as well as the safest, most convenient and enjoyable transit mode in the daily travels of commuters.

The Director of Rail Operation, RTA Rail Agency Ramadan Abdullah, said: “The daily ridership of the metro is currently over 140 thousand passengers i.e. in excess of 4,020,000 passengers per month. This number is quite important when we take into consideration that the period of the metro operation has yet to complete 15 months, so it says a lot to see all these passengers from all community segments, whether residents or visitors, uptake this mass transit mode; which also reflects the associated benefits that contribute to diffusion of using public transport culture among the public.

“The resounding success so far made by the Dubai Metro is viewed as a result of the sound strategies and ambitious plans developed by the RTA and implemented by unsung heroes who are make tireless efforts to the serve metro passengers and their efforts are now culminated in a public upswing to use the metro albeit being unaccustomed to using public transport modes.

“On November 1st, the day designated by the RTA as a Public Transport Day offering the public free ride on all public transit modes including the metro, public buses and the water bus for 24 hours, the metro has lifted 206 thousand passengers compared to 140 thousand passengers on normal days i.e. a 47% rise in the metro ridership. Though the RTA has stipulated that benefiting from this free-ride day is offered to Nol card holders for organizational and statistical purposes, such an increase in the ridership reveals that many people have cared to obtain Nol cards to experiment the use of public transport means including the metro; which is another evidence of the growing culture of using public transport among residents of the Emirate.

“It is anticipated that the number of metro riders will top 170 thousand passengers per day by the end of 2010, meanwhile RTA is working closely with the metro operator to cope efficiently with any increase in the number of metro riders through addressing all aspects of safety which ranks high on the RTA priorities. It also seeks to provide comfortable & enjoyable ride, and minimize the service frequency in addition to the provision of a healthy atmosphere & facilities for special needs passengers, fitting the trains with wireless internet and the provision of directional signage. Additionally, RTA provides fine services at the stations which are characterized by sizable area & fabulous designs combining modernity & tradition in a convenient and safe setting. Furthermore, the Dubai Metro, with all its stations and facilities, is becoming a point of attraction to tourists and visitors pouring in from all over the world, and is making a substantial addition to the services sector; which plays a crucial role in boosting the tourist profile of the Dubai Emirate.

RTA celebrates 39th UAE National Day in style

RTA celebrates 39th UAE National Day in style

RTA Head Office decorated by a wall size poster of HH the President

Roads & Transport Authority – Nashwan Attaa’ee:

The Head Office of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), as well as other affiliated offices, public transport means and associated facilities across Dubai Emirate have all been dressed up in an elegant fashion with fabulous portraits of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the UAE, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, besides other manifestations exhibiting the joyful and cheerful festive atmosphere in celebration of the 39th National Day of the UAE.

Commenting on the event, RTA Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication Peyman Younes Parham, said: “Every year RTA shows its keen attention on turning out itself in a magnificent outfit in celebration of this happy occasion close to the hearts of all citizens, residents and visitors hailing from different sister and friendly countries.

“This year, RTA’s celebrations of the National Day are characterized by a colourful array of events manifested in portraits and posters displaying the theme of this year’s celebrations (Kullunna Khalifa). Festivities are also visible on the new and old Head Offices of the RTA, as well as Public Transport and Dubai Taxi Building, metro stations, bus stations and marine transit means stations.
“Decorations have also included the external glazed façade of RTA Main Customer Service Center at RTA’s old Head Office, and the external glazed front of Deira Licensing Center as well as internal decorations of Deira, Umm Al Ramool, Al Barsha and Al Awir Centers.

“RTA Marketing & Corporate Communication Dep’t has also inserted the National Day celebration theme in all e-mail messages, as E-Mail Banner, and also posted the same on RTA’s official website. The Dep’t has also campaigned these celebrations in the electronic social networks (Facebook and Twitter) through inserting video clips and images depicting the activities held across the RTA together with the associated events,” said Peyman.

He added: “RTA’s festivities also included decorating 5 traditional abras operated at the Global Village, and holding traditional and folklore shows at RTA Head Office presenting popular and traditional songs and events.
“RTA has also made a pouch for keeping Nol Cards carrying an image of HH the President and the theme of the 39th UAE National Day celebrations. It also designed a logo for this day and distributed it among the buyers of Nol cards as well as clientele of Customer Service Centers and Licensing Centers” said the Director of RTA Marketing & Corporate Communication in final remark.

RTA opens Phase 4 of Dubai Bypass Road linking up with Al Faya Road, Abu Dhabi

RTA opens Phase 4 of Dubai Bypass Road linking up with Al Faya Road, Abu Dhabi

Al Tayer: The project, which extends 71 km from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi outskirts, provides alternative corridor to Emirates Rd & Sheikh Zayed Rd without driving through downtown area

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has yesterday opened Phase 4 of the Dubai Bypass Road linking up with Al Faya Road, Seih Shuaib, Abu Dhabi, better known as ‘Trucks Road’. This Phase, which also serves Al Maktoum International Airport, comprises a sector of six lanes in each direction stretching 25 km from the interchange of Dubai Bypass Road – Jebel Ali Lihbab Road up to Al Faya Road, Abu Dhabi Emirate. The sector has 3 camel crossings, also used as turn points and all service utility works have been completed along with the lighting poles.
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA said: “By opening Phase 4, RTA has completed all phases of the Dubai Bypass Road, starting from the environs of Sharjah Emirate at Al Sajaa Interchange and terminating at the exit point from Dubai Emirate to Abu Dhabi Emirate, in a 70 km-long sector constructed at a cost in excess of one billion dirham.

“The Dubai Bypass Road is a key traffic corridor in the structural roads network plan undertaken by the RTA and offers an alternative motorway to Emirates Road and Sheikh Zayed Road as it provides an external corridor for motorists inbound from Northern Emirates and outbound to Abu Dhabi Emirate and vice versa without having to go through downtown area. By opening Phase IV, RTA has completed the opening of all phases of the Road which comprises 6 lanes in each direction,” said Al Tayer.
Al Tayer continued: “In view of the enormity of the project and as RTA was keen on accelerating the delivery of the project, it had been divided into four phases. Phase I started from Al Rawiyya R/A at Dubai - Al Ain Rd to Jebel Ali – Al Hebab Rd, with a total length of 24 km. It also included the construction of an express way of six lanes in each direction at a cost of 363 million dirham.

“Phase II started from the outskirts of the Dubai and Sharjah emirates at Al Sajaa Interchange to Al Rawiya Interchange at the Dubai – Al Ain Rd in a sector extending 23 km costing 295 million dirham. This Phase included the widening of the existing road from two to six lanes in each direction and fitting it with internal and external shoulders separated by the existing median. It also included transforming the R/A of the intersecting Al Khawaneej Road into an interchange allowing free movements in all directions as well as the construction of rainwater drainage system, utility lines conduits and camel crossing as well as improving the existing road elements such as the median, metal rail, safety fence and lighting works.

“Phase III included the construction of Al Qudrah Bridge on the Dubai Bypass Road, which comprises three lanes in each direction, in a sector stretching from Umm Suqeim Road in the direction of Al Qudrah (Endurance) area and Bab Al Shams and vice versa, costing 96 million dirham. Al Qudrah Bridge is considered one of the key phases of the six lanes Dubai Bypass Road, a key corridor of Al Qudrah Road and a continuation of the Umm Suqeim Road passing through the Arabian Ranches Interchange across the Emirates Road. Al Qudrah Bridge provides the users of the Dubai Bypass Road and Al Qudrah Road free movement in all directions. Motorists inbound from Umm Suqeim and outbound to Sharjah Emirate, and those coming from Al Qudrah area heading towards Abu Dhabi Emirate, can use the surrounding tunnels underneath the Dubai Bypass Road, which have been opened earlier to enable turning on the Dubai Bypass Road.

“The final Phase IV of the Dubai Bypass Road, which was constructed at a cost of 289 million dirham, comprised the construction of a dual expressway of six lanes in each direction extending from Jebel Ali – Lihbab Road to the outreaches of Abu Dhabi Emirate in a sector extending 25 km and linking up with Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai Industrial City to accommodate the projected traffic movements in this road. It also included the construction of 3 camel crossings that can also be used as turning points in addition to rainwater drainage canals, utility lines conduits, metal rails, safety fence and lighting works,” said Mattar Al Tayer.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director concluded his statement saying: ”RTA will continue upgrading several key and arterial projects in the Dubai Emirate as part of an integrated road-widening plans under a strategy aiming to provided advanced services to residents as well as practical & all-inclusive solutions that ensure seamless traffic flow and realization of RTA vision of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All in the Emirate.

Photo captions:
• Mattar Al Tayer
Layout of the path of the Dubai Bypass Road

RTA resets metro operation times to meet commuters wishes

RTA resets metro operation times to meet commuters wishes


Roads & Transport Authority – Manal Khalid:

It was announced by the CEO of Rail Agency, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) Adnan Al Hamadi, that in response to the public desire and following extensive field surveys, RTA has introduced structural changes to the metro operation on the Red Line to take effect as of October 15th, 2010; coinciding with the opening of five new metro stations namely: Nakheel, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Sharaf DG, First Gulf Bank and Business Bay stations.

“These changes are intended to serve the interest of the public who are the backbone of any project we seek to achieve and through them we can upgrade our services to world-class standards” said Al Hamadi. In the meantime he referred to the key changes to be introduced and aligned with the operation process saying that the changes would include changing the operation hours, service frequency time and the waiting time at the metro stations.

Commenting on the operational hours Al Hamadi said: “During the week days from Saturday to Wednesday, the metro operation will start from 06:00 am up to 11:00 pm, and on Thursday the metro will be operational from 06:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight), while on Friday the metro service will be running from 01:00 pm to 12:00 am (midnight).”

As to the service frequency time (headway), the CEO of Rail Agency said: “The service frequency will vary depending on the weekdays and the peak hours, and will be ranging from 8 to 6 minutes. Service frequency will be 10 minutes from 09:00 to 11:00 pm from Saturday to Wednesday, 8 minutes on Thursday and Friday, 10 minutes from 11:00 pm to 12:00 am (midnight), and 8 minutes on Fridays.”
Al Hamadi stated that the change also included slashing the stop time at stations from 30 seconds to 20 seconds.

RTA puts final touches on Green Line stations of Dubai Metro

RTA puts final touches on Green Line stations of Dubai Metro

The project is set to open as planned in August 2011

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced that RTA had completed the construction works in most stations on the Green Line of the Dubai Metro, following the full completion of the 23-km long track extending along the Green Line. Completion rates in stations currently range from 55 to 100 percent in the finishing works, 65 to 85 percent in electromechanical works, and as high as 85% in the Park-and-Ride facilities at Al Qusais. He reiterated that work in the project is moving ahead on schedule and the project is set for opening in August 2010.

Al Tayer made these statements during an inspection tour of the work progress in the Green Line project of the Dubai Metro that took him to the Dubai Healthcare City, Al Ittihad, Al Ghubaiba, Al Ras, Al Qiyada, and Etisalat stations in addition to the multi-story car-parking building. Al Tayer was accompanied in the tour by the CEO of Rail Agency Adnan Al Hamadi, the Head of Follow-up Team of RTA Hosting UITP Congress 2011 in Dubai Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, and a number of directors and engineers supervising the project.

Al Tayer set off his tour by inspecting the Dubai Healthcare City station where construction works have reached an advanced stage as the internal finishing works have almost reached 55 per cent and electromechanical works are as high as 65 per cent. Al Tayer then inspected the work progress in Al Ras and Al Ghubaiba stations where construction and civil works have been fully completed and so are the metal structures and platform doors. Completion of the finishing works in the two stations ranges from 55 to 70 per cent, whereas the completion of electromechanical works ranges from 65 to 75 per cent.

The two stations feature heritage designs depicting the history and legacy of the UAE. The design concept revolves around employing the architectural traditional elements used in antique buildings, such as wind towers (Brajeel), oriels (Mashrabia), alleyways (Sukaik), internal arches and others through replicating them in an enhanced manner, while addressing the aesthetic and technical dimensions of those elements such that the heritage-inspired stations would match the traditional Souks in the locality, look like a natural extension of the Heritage & Diving Village, and fit well with the antique control towers currently seen in the area.
Al Tayer then inspected the work progress in Al Ittihad Station; one of the stations in which the Red & Green Lines intersect and considered the world’s biggest metro station spanning an area of 25,000 square meters with a capacity to handle about 22,000 passengers per hour. The Station, which consists of two levels, extends 230 meters in length, 50 meters in width, and 18 meters in depth. It houses commercial & service outlets for serving metro users, and has two entry points equipped with lifts & escalators. Four tunnels branch out of the Station bound to Khalid bin Al Waleed & Al Rigga Stations on the Red Line, and Bani Yas & Salah Uddin Stations on the Green Line. Al Tayer attended to a briefing about the work progress in the station, where the contractor has completed all concrete works, and metal structures of platform screen doors and the completion rate has reached 70 per cent in the internal finishing works, and 85 per cent in the electromechanical works.
Al Tayer went about his tour to visit Al Qiyadah Station along Al Ittihad Road near the Dubai Police General HQ; one of the elevated stations of the Green Line that has a capacity to handle 11,000 passengers per hour in each direction with dimensions measuring about 130 m in length and 30 m in width. It has two ingress points fitted with escalators and lifts and the completion rate has reached 90 per cent in the construction works, 70 per cent in the finishing works and 75 per cent in the electromechanical works.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director concluded his tour by visiting Etisalat Station; the starting point of the Green Line where the Contractor has finalized all concrete works, metal structures of the station and the platform doors. Completion rate has reached 70 per cent in the finishing works, and 75% in the electromechanical works. He also inspected the multi-level Park-and-Ride facility where the completion rate in the parking lot, surrounding roads, bus station and footbridges is nearing 88 per cent. Al Tayer toured the building which has a capacity to house 2350 vehicles and meant to encourage the public to use the metro in their mobility across Dubai Emirate. The building has been designed to provide ample space for feeder buses of the station, ensure smooth traffic flow and accommodate huge number of buses at a time. It is also fitted with footbridges linking up with the opposite side of the road to ensure easy and safe access to the metro station, while providing the standard safety measures for passenger movement in the building.

At the end of the tour Al Tayer expressed his delight with the work progress in various locations of the project, and commended the efforts of all personnel working tirelessly to accomplish the project. However, he called on the contracting company to commit more efforts to ensure the opening of all stations on time.

Photo captions:
 Al Tayer attending to a briefing about the work progress in the Green Line Stations
 Huge progress made in the Green Line works

Pedestrian fatalities hit record low over 9 years: RTA

Pedestrian fatalities hit record low over 9 years: RTA

Maitha bin Udai: RTA places much emphasis on awareness programs besides building pedestrian tunnels, bridges and crossing points

Pedestrian fatality accidents in Dubai have touched a record low average in the first half of this year dipping to 25 cases compared to 47 cases in the same period last year; recording in the process a 47% drop rate from last year’s level where pedestrians fatality rate dropped by 33% from the level prevailing in the year before, according to the statistics compiled by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA). These statistics also showed that run-over accidents have hit an all-time low during the last 5 years as the resulting fatalities have not exceeded 78 cases whereas the number of reported run-over fatalities in the year before was 116 cases.
Commenting of these figures engineer Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, said that pedestrian safety indicators in Dubai reflected a huge progress in the plan of Traffic & Roads Agency regarding the enhancement of pedestrian safety and curbing of run-over accidents in Dubai. “Last year witnessed several field measures and joint awareness efforts to curb pedestrian accidents; which ranked amongst the most serious challenges facing traffic safety specialists,” she said.

Bin Udai indicated that the drop by almost half in the pedestrian fatalities to 25 cases reported during the first half of this year meant that it was the least period witnessing pedestrian fatalities over the last 9 years. There were 28 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2002 and the number remained the same in the following year, but soared in the first half of 2004 to 49 cases, and dropped slightly in the first half of 2005 to 48 cases. Again the number picked up to hit 57 cases in the first half of 2006 and to 59 cases in the first half of the following year. Pedestrian fatalities hit a peak of 60 cases in the first half of 2008 before falling to 47 cases in 2009.

The CEO of Traffic & Roads Agency attributed the drop in mortality rate to a host of measures introduced by the RTA as part of its traffic safety plan through constructing footbridges & subways, identifying & marking crossing points, and rolling out educative traffic awareness campaigns. Contractors and consultants had also been ordered to deploy vehicles to shuttle their workers between the two side of the road to avoid road crossing and accordingly risking their lives. “Pedestrian accidents in Sheikh Zayed Road plummeted by 83.4% over last year with only two fatality accidents reported compared to 12 fatality cases in 2008; which is attributed to the operation of three footbridges linking with the metro stations. In Damascus Road, pedestrians fatalities dipped by 75% from 4 cases in 2008 to one case in 2009 following the opening of 3 footbridges on the same Road. Similarly pedestrian fatalities on Amman Road dropped by 40% upon construction of two pedestrian crossing points and distinguishing them with white markings plunging from 5 cases in 2008 to one case in 2009.

Maitha continued: “Over the last year, Traffic & Roads Agency was engaged in addressing more than 7 blind spots witnessing recurrent run-over accidents in some parts of the city such as Al Qouz, Al Wasl and the Service Road of Sheikh Zayed Road.
“The RTA-lead awareness efforts made in conjunction with its strategic partners with the aim of improving traffic safety levels across the Emirate so far seem successful and moving on the right track, judging by the previous figures & indicators. Through its concerned Department and implementing traffic safety measurements, RTA managed over the last three years to make headway in reducing traffic fatality rates each and every year. Consequently, traffic accidents mortality rate in Dubai dipped from 332 cases in 2007 to 294 cases in 2008 and plummeted further to its least level over the last four years during last year which witnessed 225 fatalities,” explained Maitha.

She cautioned that it would be difficult to achieve positive results in improving traffic safety levels or have an effective impact on drivers’ attitudes unless the community members respond and react to those efforts. Accordingly, the success made by a part of the awareness programs which contributed to a reduction in fatality rates is attributed to the contribution of RTA strategic partners and the public who reacted to them, be it in terms of compliance with the educative directives and tips, or enhanced compliance with the traffic rules.

Maitha elaborated on traffic awareness efforts and said: “RTA efforts, which contributed to achieving the required harmony between the official efforts and the community response, have benefited from the successful international practices and experience accumulated over RTA lifetime spanning 4 years in line with the plan encompassing awareness efforts and several site measures taken by Traffic Department. During the last two years, RTA embarked on an ongoing process spanning three key thrusts; namely running traffic & safety engineering as well as enforcement-related educative campaigns, launching traffic awareness drive in schools, and educating the students on the key traffic safety principles.

“Specialists of Traffic & Roads Agency were keen on implementing world-class standards in designing and upgrading roads and pedestrian walkways, and providing sufficient numbers of pedestrian footbridges & subways along with urging the public to use them. Currently there are 14 subways and 18 footbridges in place, including three glazed bridges constructed by RTA over the last three years in addition to those footbridges linking with most of the metro stations. Pedestrian tunnels and bridges spread all over Dubai, particularly in areas witnessing intense pedestrian movement such as the abra area and Deira Corniche. Besides that, RTA is aspiring to double the number of pedestrian bridges and tunnels by 2013.

“The most prominent issue standing in the way of traffic awareness drive is the ignorance of several individuals, particularly among Asian workers, of traffic safety principles. So the biggest challenge is to educate them on the importance of using safe means, such as pedestrian crossings, tunnels and bridges, to avoid run-over accidents. For this purpose RTA held last year several meetings with its strategic partners that yielded the launch of three awareness campaigns about pedestrian crossing & cyclists targeting more than 75,000 workers. The Campaign comprised delivering lectures in Arabic, English and Urdu, distributing thousands of brochures and hundreds of posters as well as a special booklet about the right of pedestrians in crossing. The events covered workers density areas such as Jebel Ali and Al Qusais and indicators revealed that there was a 31% decline in the run-over accidents in areas where the events were held.

“In 2009 schools witnessed active traffic awareness activities and the main highlight in this regard is that Dubai was free from children run-over accidents by school buses last year compared to one run-over accident recorded in the year before; which bears reference to the success of the traffic awareness effort in this field. Part of this success is attributed to an educative program run jointly with Emirates Transport and Johnson & Johnson dubbed as School Bus Program; which is a school bus featuring an eye-catching & convenient internal and external design customized for children with a view to giving youngsters at nurseries and primary grades a practical exposure on how to board and alight from the bus in a proper and safe manner, and how to cross the road and avoid run-over accidents by adopting the Golden Rules. The program managed to cover 74 schools last year. There were also traffic campaigns oriented to students, parents and those working in the field of education. In the beginning of the academic year 2009/2010 RTA rolled out an educative drive in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior under the theme: Safe Student Transport during which it distributed more than 130,000 copies of School Transport booklet which was compiled by RTA Public Transport Agency, and currently we are gearing up for an eventful program to welcome the new academic year 2010/2011.
“The fall in pedestrian fatality rates in Dubai brings fresh challenges to those concerned with traffic safety in Dubai highlighted by the need to maintain the progress made last year; which warrants redoubling our efforts and moving ahead with the plans which proved successful in realizing RTA vision of: Safe & Smooth Transport for All,” said Maitha bin Udai in a concluding remark.

RTA opens a key bridge at the 1st Interchange, Sh Zayed Rd

RTA opens a key bridge at the 1st Interchange, Sh Zayed Rd


Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has opened yesterday one of the key bridges in the 1st Interchange of Sheikh Zayed Road, linking Al Safa Street with the Financial Center Street, thus ensuring smooth flow of traffic inbound from the Financial Center area to Al Safa Street towards Al Wasl Street as well as providing a curved path leading back to Sh Zayed Rd in the direction of Deira.

Commenting on the event, Nabeel Mohammed Salih, Director of Roads Department, RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, said: “By opening this phase, RTA has completed almost 85% of construction works in the main bridges and roads of the 1st Interchange at Sheikh Zayed Project; which is one of the key and most sophisticated projects currently undertaken by the RTA. Last May RTA opened bridges crossing Sheikh Zayed Road providing free traffic flow from Al Safa Street to the Financial Center Street and vice versa, and smooth traffic flow from Al Safa Street towards Dubai through these bridges. All works in the project will be completed and fully opened for traffic by the end of December 2010”.

“The 1st Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road is one of the biggest interchanges in the Emirate, and the total length of bridges currently underway measures 3 km. Tunnels in the project extend 850 meters and the overall cost of the project, which is carried out by the Italian Salini Co., is around 617 million dirham,” said Nabeel.
“The significance of this project is underlined by its vital location on Sheikh Zayed Road in the vicinity of Burj Khalifa and the Financial Center. It provides these districts with a link with the main surrounding roads such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Financial Center St. and Al Safa St. This area is considered one of the busiest in Dubai with considerable importance attached being on Sheikh Zayed Road and bordering these vital and important districts for Dubai in the fields of tourism, economy and investment,” added Al Nabeel.

It is worth-mentioning that the 1st Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road allows seamless traffic movement in both directions of Al Safa Street and Financial Center Street, and links Sheikh Zayed Road as well as the Upper & Lower Decks of the Financial Center Street. The project encompasses construction of a tunnel linking the road passing at the back of Mazaya Center with the Road passing behind the high rises overlooking Sheikh Zayed Road in addition to widening Al Safa Street, and improving the intersections thereon up to Al Wasl Road.

Captions:
- Nabeel Mohammed Salih
- layout of parts opened in the project

Al Tayer inspects Al Khawaneej Bus Depot

Al Tayer inspects Al Khawaneej Bus Depot

Roads & Transport Authority:
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), has recently inspected Al Khawaneej Bus Depot which was inaugurated by the RTA in early August to serve 16 public transport routes shuttling over several districts across Dubai Emirate; including 5 Dubai Metro stations feeder service. During his tour, Al Tayer was accompanied by the CEO of Public Transport Agency Essa Abdul-Rahman Al Dosari in addition to other directors & managers of the Agency.

Al Tayer stated: “Al Khawaneej Bus Depot is considered a milestone in broadening and upgrading public transport network in Dubai Emirate; as it serves a plenty of Dubai Metro stations feeder routes, and passes across a number of districts throughout the Emirate”.

“The inauguration of this depot aims to widen and improve public bus transport, meet the requirements of passengers using this type of public transport, encourage more passengers to use the Dubai Metro, and enhance the integration of public transport network in Dubai Emirate,” said Al Tayer.

He continued: “The inauguration of this station culminates elaborate studies and site surveys undertaken by the RTA to assess the requirements of public bus riders, link the metro stations with public transport routes in Dubai, and address the transportation needs of all districts in the vicinity of the metro stations.
“The opening of Al Khawaneej Bus Depot also aims to distribute the bus routes according to districts close to the bus depots to ensure better utilization of the existing resources, enhance the efficiency and reduce the operational cost so long as the Depot is in close proximity to the starting points of the bus routes. It is anticipated that the operation of this Depot will cut the operational costs by as much as 1.5 million dirham per annum,” added Al Tayer.

“It took the RTA 15 months to complete this vital project at a cost of 121 million dirham. The facility has a capacity to house 284 buses and comprises a waiting yard, an air-conditioned maintenance workshop providing all types of preventive & regular bus maintenance (including maintenance of engines, electrical systems, and air-conditioning systems), a fully fledged painting workshop, a refueling station and a washing bay,” said Al Tayer in a final remark.

Worth-mentioning that the five metro stations feeder routes principally serve Al Rashidiya Station as Route (F3) starts off Al Rashidiya Metro Station (4), and passes across several districts including Mirdiff Interchange, Mirdiff Private School (1), and Mirdiff Uptown Center (1). Route (F4) starts off Al Rashidiya Metro Station (5) and passes across Imam Abu Haneefa Mosque at Mirdiff, Mirdiff City Center, Al Rashidiya and other districts. Route (F5) starts off Al Rashidiya Metro Station (5) and passes across Muhaisnah (1), Al Mizher, and Al Arabi Center, whereas Route (F6) starts off Lulu Village, Muhaisnah (4), Head Office of Public Transport Agency, and Al Kawakeb School. Route (F10) starts off Al Rashidiya Metro Station (2) and passes through several districts including the entry leading to Al Warqaa (1), the Grand Mosque at Al Warqaa, and Al Jahiz Boys School at Rashidiya among others.

Captions:
- Mattar Al Tayer inspecting the station