A project for integrated transport and flexible mobility around nine EXPO 2020 bus stations has been endorsed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The project will be undertaken in collaboration with Nakheel, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Tecom and Dubai Properties.
According to a statement, the project will see the RTA provide an integrated environment around metro and bus stations. It will see the construction of 226 pedestrian paths and 857 dropped kerbs and will create paths for people of determination at 1,053 points. It also includes a host of speed calming measures such as humps, shared cycling & pedestrian tracks, shared cycling and vehicles lanes, roadside parking slots, and wider pedestrian pavements.
“The project aims to encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternative transport means such as cycling tracks and encouraging public to use pedestrian walking paths, as well as public transport means, such as the metro, tram, marine transport and public buses,” said Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority.
He added that the project focuses on improving the surrounding environment, as it will promote the integration of multi-modal transit means. Improvements include providing pedestrian pavements and addressing traffic safety requirements such as safe crossings, and traffic signals designated for pedestrians and cyclists.
Accordingly, the RTA has to ensure non-interrupted cycling tracks, address the mobility needs of people of determination to ease their accessibility to all mobility means in place, maximise the benefit from public and transport, and ensure the integration of public transport means with alternative transport means.
Al Tayer explained, “The project includes the enhancement and implementation of mobility and connectivity standards around nine EXPO 2020 Bus Stations at Al Baraha, Al Ghubaiba, Al Jafiliya, Business Bay 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, Palm Jumeirah, Etisalat and the Union Bus Stations.”
He added that the project will add 45km to the cycling tracks network, which renders Expo Bus Stations as an excellent model of integrated and environmentally friendly stations. He stated the concept revolves around improving and configuring the infrastructure to support network flexibility and environment sustainability besides improving the surrounding areas for pedestrians.
He remarked, “In all public transport projects, RTA assigns special attention to improving the link of public transport stations with development projects and the surrounding attraction areas. This entails addressing the first and last-mile needs, providing elements that assist with the integration of transit means, such as bus stops, cycling tracks, pedestrian crossings, rest areas, shaded paths, landscaped areas, parking for rented cars, and bike racks. Providing these elements will encourage people to use non-conventional mobility means like walking and biking and the use of E-Scooters in commuting between their homes and public transport stations.”
