Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has endorsed a project for integrated transport and flexible mobility around 9 Expo 2020 bus stations. 

 

It will be undertaking the project in collaboration with Nakheel, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Tecom, and Dubai Properties.

 

The project will see RTA provide for an integrated environment around metro and bus stations, which entails constructing 226 pedestrian paths and 857 dropped kerbs and creating paths for people of determination at 1053 points.

 

In addition, it will see implementation of a host of speed calming measures such as humps, shared cycling and pedestrian tracks, shared cycling and vehicles lanes, roadside parking slots, and wider pedestrian pavements.

 

"The project aims to encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternative transport means such as cycling tracks and encouraging public to use pedestrian walking paths as well as public transport means, such as the metro, tram, marine transport and public buses," remarked Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority.

 

It focuses on improving the surrounding environment as it will promote the integration of multi-modal transit means. Improvements include providing pedestrian pavements and addressing traffic safety requirements such as safe crossings, and traffic signals designated for pedestrians and cyclists, he added. 

 

Accordingly, RTA has to ensure non-interrupted cycling tracks, address the mobility needs of people of determination to ease their accessibility to all mobility means in place, maximise the benefit from public and transport, and ensure the integration of public transport means with alternative transport means.

 

"The project includes the enhancement and implementation of mobility and connectivity standards around 9 Expo 2020 Bus Stations at Al Baraha, Al Ghubaiba, Al Jafiliya, Business Bay 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, Palm Jumeirah, Etisalat and the Union Bus Stations," stated Al Tayer. 

 

The projec will add 45 km to the cycling tracks network, which renders Expo Bus Stations as an excellent model of integrated and environmentally friendly stations, he added. 

 

According to him, the concept revolves around improving and configuring the infrastructure to support network flexibility and environment sustainability besides improving the surrounding areas for pedestrians.

 

"In all public transport projects, RTA assigns special attention to improving the link of public transport stations with development projects and the surrounding attraction areas. This entails addressing the first and last-mile needs, providing elements that assist with the integration of transit means, such as bus stops, cycling tracks, pedestrian crossings, rest areas, shaded paths, landscaped areas, parking for rented cars, and bike racks," noted Al Tayer. 

 

"Providing these elements will encourage people to use non-conventional mobility means like walking and biking and the use of E-Scooters in commuting between their homes and public transport stations," added.-TradeArabia News Service