UAE

Dubai’s Public Transport Reduces 1 Million Vehicle Trips Daily, Enhancing Sustainability

Dubai’s public transport plays critical role in creating sustainable urban environments

The increased use of public transportation in Dubai has effectively removed the equivalent of 1 million vehicles daily from the roads, a top official revealed during an event on Thursday.

“In Dubai, we have been able to increase the share of public transportation from 6 per cent in 2006 to 19 per cent in 2023. This is the highest rate of growth compared to other cities in the world,” Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim Kalbat, CEO of Rail Agency at Roads and Transport Authority, said during the Dubai Project Management Forum.

According to RTA data, the number of public transport and shared mobility system users, including metro, tram, buses, taxis, ferries, and e-hail vehicles, crossed 360 million in the first half of 2024 a 6 per cent increase from the same period in 2023. The daily average number of riders reached 1.98 million, compared to 1.88 million in the first half of 2023. The number of vehicles on Dubai’s roads during daytime hours reached 3.5 million in 2024, reflecting a 10 per cent increase in registered vehicles over the past two years.

Ubran environment

Kalbat highlighted the importance of public transportation in creating sustainable urban environments.

“Every bus with a capacity of 70 passengers takes off 50 vehicle trips from the roads. Similarly, a single train with a capacity of 700 passengers takes 500 vehicle trips off the roads. Daily, we take off 1 million vehicle trips from the streets. It shows the power of the public transportation in contributing to sustainable cities.”

Kalbat underscored the positive environmental impact of increased public transportation usage, particularly in reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

Managing challenges

The United Nations has projected that by 2050, an additional 2.5 billion people will be living in cities. This rapid urbanisation will present “huge challenges” and place considerable pressure on cities, Kalbat said.

“The real challenge will be providing seamless and efficient mobility solutions. Public transportation must lead the way providing sustainable and inclusive solution to ensure cities remain connected and liveable,” Kalbat said and stressed that investing in public transportation is not only “essential but critical” in shaping the future of cities.

During a panel discussion on ‘Sustainable Cities at the Intersection of Economy and Environment,’ Kalbat highlighted that “accessibility” and “connectivity” must be central to the design of any public transportation system.

“As cities expand, it becomes challenging for people to use public transportation. So, transit-oriented development becomes vital for designing the cities,” Kalbat said and noted that public transportation must become lifestyle choice of the residents.

Modernising public transport

Meanwhile, Tim Papandreou, a future of mobility expert, praised Dubai’s robust public transport network and stressed the importance of global cities prioritising the development and modernisation of their public transport systems. “Such efforts not only enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability.”

Frank Wolters, managing director of Tegel Projekt in Berlin, Germany, noted: “Great solutions also present great opportunities, particularly when it comes to establishing robust transport networks and promoting their regular use as a primary mode of mobility. Such solutions play a vital role in reducing environmental impacts and ensuring the planet remains in a sustainable state for future generations.”

Source: gulfnews

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