Al Tayer receives Austrian member of Parliament

The visit falls in line with RTA's goals of establishing its cooperation and expertise as an entity locally, nationally and internationally.

With a common vision of developing new concepts and services that optimize traffic flow, maximize safety and minimize expenses, this meeting proved to be promising. It facilitated an exchange of bilateral views on transport and technology, emphasizing on Austria's contribution to the development and upcoming projects of roads and the infrastructure in Dubai.

Mr. Scheiber was given an overview of the RTA and its projects currently implemented which exceed costs of AED 21 billion; like the Dubai Metro project which costs AED 15.5 billion and is one of the longest driverless Metro trains in the world. Al Tayer said that the first phase of the Metro called the Red Line would be completed in September 2009 while the second phase called the Green Line would be completed in March 2010. Details on the stations and the operations of the project were shared.

Al Tayer also shed light on major road projects like the expansion of Garhoud Bridge, the Floating Bridge which will ease the traffic on Maktoum Bridge by 37%, the Fourth Crossing, expansion of Emirates road from three to five lanes and the new toll system called 'Salik' which reflects RTA's commitment to implement cutting-edge traffic management solutions that will improve mobility and save time and energy.

The toll system is set to contribute to traffic management and reduction of congestion by 25% as it will encourage wider use of public transport, enhancing the use of single car occupancy within same family and/or institution, strengthening car pooling, using alternative routes, and bringing down pollution levels by reducing the number of cars on the roads and driving time.

It also reflects the operational strategy of the system, wherein motorists do not have to pay the toll manually but through a card from which the toll will be deducted electronically. In the absence of a card, the commuter will be fined. Mattar added that the entity has prepared a program that includes awareness campaigns catering to all segments of society through various media.

Mr. Scheiber thanked Al Tayer and praised the entity for its achievements. He said that Austrian companies would definitely like to participate in tenders and work in Dubai. He lastly expressed his gratitude for the hospitality he experienced in the UAE in general and in Dubai in particular, and spoke of the strong diplomatic and trade relations between Dubai and Austria, and praised the comprehensive development including economic, social, and all aspects in Dubai.