Dubai's ratio of 571 cars per 1000 people will be rationalised through improved public transport: RTA Rail Agency Chief

In Western cities, the ratio of trips made by walking or using public transportation versus using a car is 4:1, while in Dubai it is almost 50:50, demonstrating that people use their cars for almost every trip or outing.

These startling figures were provided by Mr. Abdul Majid Al Khaja, CEO of Rail Agency at the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), at a presentation on "Mobility Difficulties in Dubai" at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) recently, as part of a talk series featuring ex-students of the university.

Mr. Al Khaja said this situation was being addressed by the RTA by creating an integrated, intelligent transport system involving rail, roads, marine vessels, buses and taxis, to meet the projected population growth over the next decade.

"A number of measures are underway to improve the situation over the next two years. The measures include increasing the number of public buses from the current 650 to 3,000 and commissioning of two (out of the four) routes of the Dubai Metro by September 2009," Mr. Al Khaja said. "In addition, marine transportation would be expanded by increasing the number of abras and water taxis."

Mr. Al Khaja pointed out that measures like paid parking and the Salik road toll system were aimed at discouraging the use of cars.

Referring to the Dubai Metro project, he said, "The RTA has planned multi-modal stations that will allow passengers to transfer from one means of transport to another, conveniently and quickly. A common fare structure will be in place and a smart card payment system will ensure smooth travel."

In response to a question on how the RTA plans to persuade people to use public transport, Mr. Al Khaja admitted it was a challenge. "Providing clean, safe and efficient services for all segments of the population will encourage people to use public transportation, but legislative measures may also be necessary to change the habits of the general public."

He said legislative measures could include heavier import taxis on cars, higher parking fees, increased petrol prices and steeper license renewal fees, along the lines adopted by Singapore.

The presentation was the first in a series planned by the UOWD Alumni Association to feature prominent UAE nationals and UOWD alumni as guest speakers. Mr. Al Khaja is an alumnus of UOWD, Class of 2003.