Abu Dhabi Department of Transport invites bids from leading international consultancies for the preparation of Abu Dhabi Metro Study

The 'Abu Dhabi Metro Study' is a result of the Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP), a major initiative taken by the Department of Transport to develop a comprehensive plan for surface transport - including different modes for passengers and freight such as roads, metro, Light Rail Transit (LRT) - that will meet the people's and the economy's mobility needs throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi until 2030.

Currently the Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) in its final phase, indicates the need for establishing a high-quality, high-capacity metro rail system on approximately 131 KM, supported by tram and bus feeder services, to serve a substantial proportion of passenger trips and relieve traffic congestion on the highway network. As well as to provide optimal connectivity between Abu Dhabi Island and its suburbs and upcoming communities such as Saadiyat, Yas Islands and Al Raha Beach.

The Study's overall objective is to help ensure implementation of 'Abu Dhabi Metro' in accordance with its schedule and technical specifications. Accordingly the study will be phased out on 3 (three) different stages as follows:

Stage 1: Feasibility Study
Stage 2: Preliminary Design
Stage 3: Final Contract Documentation and Tender Award

Under the main stages of 'Abu Dhabi Metro Study', the main tasks will include: the determination of parameters of the metro line covering its alignment, track rail systems and station locations; the selection of the optimal project urban insertion; the provision of capital, operation and maintenance cost estimates of the metro line; the project implementation schedule; the revision of alternative options for design, construction, procurement and operations; the specification of optimal functional / output characteristics of the project to maximize its patronage and financial viability.

The 'Abu Dhabi Metro Study' will aim to carry out planning of metro operations to the level of detail necessary to specify train technologies, track geometry, train sizes, numbers of train car sets, depot and maintenance facilities, power, station configurations, train service frequencies, fare collection and ticketing systems. As well as to carry out operational planning for feeder services to the level of detail needed to specify vehicle technologies and geometries, interchange facilities / arrangements, coordinated service schedules, integrated fare collection, ticketing and information systems and all other features required as inputs to preliminary designs for infrastructure, rolling stock, and services.

Finally, the Study will focus on the development of a detailed implementation schedule for the project based on the technical, economic and updated financial feasibility studies.