RTA outlines Dubai's rail transit achievements and priorities

A Dubai Metro train.

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) presented two papers on mass transit challenges at the World Metro Rail Congress 2017 in London, UK.

Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, chief executive officer of RTA’s Rail Agency, presented the first paper entitled ‘Dubai Rail Transport Journey and Beyond’, according to UAE state news agency, WAM.

The paper highlighted problems that could be alleviated by Dubai's rail sector, including the local population's reliance on private automobiles and the resultant traffic jams.

Younes revealed that the share of public transport in Dubai's people mobility space was only 6% in 2006, a relatively low percentage compared to other metropolitan cities. In an attempt to increase this figure, RTA set about establishing an "integrated, diverse, and advanced transport network".

These efforts, it seems, have proved fruitful. In 2016, public transport accounted for 16% of Dubai's people mobility segment.

RTA intends to increase the share of mass transport in Dubai - including metro, tram, bus, and marine transport - to up to 20% by 2020, and to 30% by 2030, according to Younes.

Bayan Khider Abu Shaaban, senior sustainability specialist at RTA's Rail Agency, presented a second paper at World Metro Rail Congress 2017, entitled 'Rail agency green initiatives towards low carbon society'. The paper, which contained key performance indicators (KPIs) pertaining to the green economy, outlined the department's plans to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability within Dubai's transport system.