Al Tayer briefs Tehran Municipality delegation on RTA's plans & projects

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), received a delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran headed by Governor of Tehran City H.E. Ali Baqir Ghalibaf, in the presence of the businessman H.E. Juma Al Majed, the Deputy Governor of Tehran City H.E. Mahdi Al Hashemi, the Ambassador of Iran to the UAE H.E. Humaid Reda Assefi, and a number of CEOs and departmental directors of the RTA.

Al Tayer then gave the visiting delegation a briefing about the RTA; which was created with a view to provide prompt solution to improve the traffic position, develop a long-term strategic plan, and proceed with the existing projects. "At the time of working out the Organizational Chart, RTA was keen to benefit from the experience of advanced countries in the field of transport such as Germany & Singapore. The Organization Chart was tailored to meet several objectives such as decentralizing decision-taking level, facilitate performance measurement, and achieving integration between the functional units" said Al Tayer. He explained that the Chart includes five operational agencies, namely Traffic & Roads Agency, Public Transport Agency, Rail Agency, Marine Transport Agency, and Dubai Taxi Agency. In addition to that there are two sectors; Corporate Support and Strategy & Corporate Governance.

Al Tayer reviewed the Strategic Plan of the RTA which focuses on five key elements revolving around the integration between all components, namely; stepping up the intake of roads network through upgrading & expanding the existing network, building new networks, promoting the role of mass transit modes in serving transport requirements through providing top quality modes capable of meeting requirements of various segments of the community.

Al Tayer then reviewed the key projects currently undertaken by the RTA at a cost exceeding Dhs26bn. "The number and volume of road projects currently implemented by the RTA has an estimated cost of Dh8 billion. Dubai Metro project, which costs about Dhs15bn, is the longest driverless train in the world. Work is progressing according to schedule and the Red Line will be completed in September 2009" he said.

Al Tayer further added that the RTA has recently conducted a trial run of Dubai Metro in the test track in Japan. Tests will continue till the train is shipped to Dubai in February 2008 in order to get and ascertain more test results. "In April 2008, RTA will conduct a further trial run for the train in the new test track extending from Ibn Buttota Station to Jebel Ali Depot, extending 11 km of which 3.4 km is a track at the grade.

The Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the RTA also reviewed Marine Transport projects which include modernizing abra transport, and introducing new modes (starting with the Water Bus which has a capacity of 36 passengers). RTA is currently considering deployment of other modes such as Water Taxi, and Ferry. He also reviewed public transport development projects, which included procurement of more than 2000 hi-tech buses fitted with the highest standards of security & safety, and constructing air-conditioned bus stops spanned throughout all areas of Dubai.

The Iranian Delegation hailed the pioneer development model witnessed by the emirate of Dubai at various spheres. They stated that Dubai made giant strides in the path of development and growth such that it became a model to be followed by others. It became a destination for many officials interesting in benefiting from its experience in implementing massive projects and employing modern techniques & technology in every respect.