Leading the changes Putting the Strategic Plan in place

Interview p.18 | Old transport p.24 | Focus on history p.28 | destinations p.36 CONTENTS: ISSUE 02

4 RTA News 28 Focus on History

03 Chairman’s Message 28 Focus on History

HE Mattar Al Tayer welcomes readers and explains the Celebrating 100 years of glory - we feature the narrow changes that the RTA are getting underway gauge - Matheran Light Railway in India, one of the oldest in 04 RTA News 32 Technology HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid , Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of – Dubai’s New Toll System. It’s the talk of Dubai, inaugurates three significant new services the town, it’s right here, right now – and it’s all for a very good reason 14 Feature Exclusive 36 Destinations An in-depth view of the RTA’s strategy for 2007-2009. A complete factfile on what we’re doing to transform the Looking back in time: we profile Dubai’s Heritage face of transport in Dubai and Diving Village - a ‘time machine’ trip in the heart of the Emirate 18 Interview 38 Snapshot H.E. Mattar Al Tayer speaks to RTA magazine about the challenges and responsibilities of transport An at-a-glance review of strategies and the administration move towards fully integrated transport solutions 22 Metro Update 40 Global News

RTA introduces the new Purple Line; why high-speed Our global focus on key transport issues and airport connectivity is key developments; from the sublime to the extreme, from history in the making to world records 24 Old Transport 44 Spotlight Abras have survived many changes in the ‘new Dubai’, and they’re still a force to be reckoned with. RTA Pedestrian Safety & the RTA’s dramatic Pedestrian magazine takes you behind the scenes Safety Plan: why it simply has to work

24 Old Transport 32 Technology 36 Destinations

www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 01 WELCOME

ROADS & TRANSPORT AUTHORITY PO Box 118899, Dubai, United Arab 2007-2009 STRATEGIC PLAN Looking For RTA? Tel. : +971 4 2844444 Fax : +971 4 2065555 Email: [email protected] a^fZk\amhpZk]l]^o^ehif^gmpbee MkZglihkm:nmahkbmr_hk+))0&+))2 \ZkkrhgaZg]bgaZg]pbmama^\nemnk^ pab\a\hglmbmnm^lZiZkmh_=n[Zb Chief Editor - RTA h_lhpbg`ma^l^^]lh_^q\^ee^g\^ LmkZm^`b\IeZg%Zg]ZbflZmlm^^kbg`ma^ Dr. Ayesha Al Busmait Zg]e^Z]^klabibgma^>fbkZm^h_ \hnkl^h_ma^KM:_hkma^g^qmmak^^ T =n[Zb'Ma^l^_^Zmlpbee\hgmbgn^mh r^Zkl'Mabl\aZim^kh_ma^KM:Êleb_^ Editing Staff [^^ob]^gmZ\khllma^[hZk]%maZgdl pbee[^o^kr\kbmb\ZeZlbmpbeeaZo^mh Mohammed Bin Towaih mhma^ikn]^gm`nb]^ebg^lh_A'A' \hfie^m^ma^[Zlb\\hfihg^gmlh_ma^ Zakia Al Musharakh La^bdaFhaZff^];bgKZlab]:e khZ]lg^mphkdlZg]mkZglihkmZmbhg Mohammed Al Munji FZdmhnf%Ob\^Ik^lb]^gmZg]Ikbf^ lrlm^f%Zg]lmk^g`ma^gbmlmb^l Sumaia Hareb Fbgblm^kh_ma^N:>Zg]Kne^k pbmaoZkbhnl`khnilh_\nlmhf^kl h_=n[Zb'Ma^KhZ]l MkZglihkm [rf^Zglh_]kZ_mbg`Zg]^gZ\mbg` Published by :nmahkbmrbl%h_\hnkl^%ZiZkmZg] bgm^`kZm^]e^`bleZmbhgZg]kne^lbgZ The Media Factory FZ – LLC iZk\^eh_ma^l^Z\ab^o^f^gmlZg] pZrmaZmh[l^ko^ma^bkbgm^k^lml'Ma^ PO Box 37262, Dubai, UAE ma^_^Zmlbmbl^gmknlm^]pbmaZk^ma^ KM:pbeeZelh[^^gmknlm^]pbmama^ Tel: +9714 390 2260 ieZggbg`%i^k_hkfZg\^%hi^kZmbhg ikhoblbhgh_lmZm^h_ma^ZkmmkZ_Ó\Zg] Fax: +9714 429 0937 Zg]fZbgm^gZg\^h_khZ]lg^mphkdl mkZglihkmZmbhglrlm^flZg]bfikhobg` Zg]in[eb\mkZglihkmZmbhglrlm^fl' ma^eb_^lmre^h_ma^in[eb\[rf^Zglh_ For Advertising Ma^l^\hglmbmnm^lb`gbÓ\Zgm Z]himbg`^gobkhgf^gmZebgbmbZmbo^l_hk Red Door Production \hfihg^gmlh_ma^bg_kZlmkn\mnk^l ma^lZ_^mrZg]a^Zemah_ma^ihineZmbhg' PO Box 502068, Dubai, UAE \hg]n\bo^mhma^ikhli^kbmrZg] Mablbglb`ambl\hnie^]pbmahnk Tel: +9714 360 2871 p^ee&[^bg`h_ma^>fbkZm^' [^eb^_Zg]lbg\^k^k^li^\m_hkma^ Fax: +9714 360 4408 Bmblmkn^maZmmZdbg`=n[Zbmhma^ in[eb\oZen^lZg]ma^\nemnk^ The publisher regrets that it cannot accept a^b`amlh_ngbo^klZebmr%^gmZbelab`a h_^q\^ee^g\^^f[kZ\^][rma^ liability for any error or omissions printed, however caused. The opinions and views jnZebmrkhZ]lZg]mkZglihkmZmbhg @ho^kgf^gmh_=n[ZbpbmaiZkmb\neZk contained in this publication are not lrlm^flpab\a`bo^kbl^mhma^ ^fiaZlblhgma^ikboZ\rZg] necessarily those of the publisher. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before \k^Zmbhgh_^fiehrf^gmhiihkmngbmb^l% k^jnbk^f^gmlh_hnk^lm^^f^] acting on information published here, which is provided for general use and ZmmkZ\mbg`bgo^lmf^gml%^g\hnkZ`bg` iZkmg^klZg]\nlmhf^kl' may not be appropriate for the readers’ mhnkblfZg]fhmboZmbg`lh\bZe particular circumstances. The ownership of ]^o^ehif^gmZg]ma^^\hghfrZmeZk`^' trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this Mattar Al Tayer publication may be reproduced, stored in a P^aZo^k^\^gmerZgghng\^]ma^ retrieval system or transmitted in any form Chairman of the Board & Executive Director without the permission of the publishers in ÓklmlmkZm^`b\ieZgh_ma^KhZ]l  writing.© 2007 The Media Factory FZ–LLC. Roads & Transport Authority

www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 03 RTA NEWS RTA NEWS HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurates Floating Bridge, Waterbus Service & the New

is Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al which is rolling from the surface intersection near City Public Transportation Buses Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister Centre and Dubai Golf Club in Deira to Riyadh Street of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated Intersection area between Dubai Courts and Creek the Floating Bridge linking Deira and Bur Park. The salient features of these ‘floating’ bridges HDubai via Baniyas road at Riyadh Street. H.H. also are speedy implementation and completion, and most inaugurated the air-conditioned Waterbus service which importantly, they provide a real alternative solution to will operate on , and the new “single and the traffic congestion of other roads. It is worth double deck” public transportation buses. This move comes mentioning that the completion period of the Floating in line with RTA’s plans to develop the public transport Bridge took only 300 days (works were commenced on system in the . 18 September 2006 and completed on 15 July 2007.) The HH Sheikh Mohammed has voiced his warm approval of Floating Bridge consists of three lanes in each direction, these accomplishments, which help ensure all classes and and can accommodate up to 3000 vehicles in each members of the community can enjoy a peaceful and stable direction in the morning and evening peak hours. The living in the UAE. mobile part is designed to open and close the Floating The inauguration ceremony was attended by His Bridge within ten minutes, allowing smooth sea passage Highness Sheikh Ahmed Saeed Al Maktoum, President of and marine navigations on the Creek. Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman of and The Floating Bridge consists of hollow concrete blocks, Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, each 6m long and 20m wide - so they can float on water His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority and Chairman of , His Highness Sheikh Mayed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in addition to a number of official dignitaries, prominent businessmen and heads of local departments and organisations. Upon His Highness’ arrival to the venue of ceremony at the Floating Bridge, he was received by H.E Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority, Executive officers of the RTA and senior officials of governmental agencies. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed toured the mobile theatre which was constructed on the Floating Bridge, and watched a video presentation on the historical developments of roads in Dubai. Subsequently, the theatre began its motion on the 360 –metre long Floating Bridge

04 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 05 RTA NEWS RTA NEWS

Left: The 80 public transport buses recently - and the total cost of the project amounted AED Station with one hour interval for Left: The 360-metre long Floating Bridge on the requirements of people with special needs first time in the Middle East, and the UAE is the purchased by the RTA, out of which 29 are Dubai Creek. single-deckers. 155 million, H.E Mattar Al Tayer explained. each trip. Right: The state-of-the-art Water Bus combining (where the floor can be lowered downward in fourth country in the world to apply this system, Right: HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al unique design, modernity and the latest technology. Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister The Water Bus Service is expected to attract 38 cm steps as opposed to 100 cm lowering in a move to maintain the smooth flow of of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reviewing the The Water Bus more than about 2,060 passengers annually, design in the ordinary buses. Moreover, the of vehicles and reduce traffic bottlenecks on the intervention motorbikes, used to tow broken down vehicles. While the mobile ‘theatre’ was taking place on yet this number is likely to grow to five double-deck buses have non-slip floors which roads of Dubai. the Floating Bridge, fire works and water million passengers in the subsequent years. makes boarding to and out of the buses very HE Mattar Al Tayer briefed HH Sheikh fountains all sprang into action. Soon, the Ice The RTA has entrusted Penguin Company of easy, especially for wheel chairs or pushchairs. Mohammed on these motorbikes which can tow Mountain Show began on Dubai Creek, just as Singapore with the operation and maintenance The new fleet of buses is provided with the 2.5 ton vehicles and travel 30 km per hour the Water Bus came out, marking the beginning of the Water Bus. state of the art technology, including audio Besides, speedy intervention motorbikes travel of a new means of marine transportation. After Upon His arrival to Al Saif Station on the announcement of stations, and a statistical smoothly in the traffic jammed streets thanks to that, HH Sheikh Mohammed left the Water Bus, HH Sheikh Mohammed was greeted system for counting the number of passengers. their small-sized design and because they are proceedingson the Floating Bridge and headed with flowers and Arabian Coffee, and pressed They are also equipped with a location only 95 cm wide. to the Water Bus in the company of HE Mattar the button to get the first ticket of boarding for positioning system directly connected with The RTA’s studies have highlighted that Al Tayer, then travelled to one of the stations in a the Water Bus. Soon after that His Highness the RTA’s control centre, and huge display emergency and traffic accidents amount to move marking the inauguration of the Water paid a visit to the ‘booth’ seating area, which “The Floating screens positioned at the front area of the 16 per cent of the major factors causing Bus Service. is styled after traditional Middle Eastern bus which enable the passengers see the trip congestion, Al Tayer explained. For example, The Water Bus combines features of unique architecture, combining beauty of design and Bridge consists number, destination and route in addition to when a minor traffic accident takes place or any design, with modernity and state-of-the art traditional heritage. The booths, which provide three display screens on the left side, right side vehicle breaks down and the incident persists technology. It has a catamaran low wash dual services to waterbus commuters and Dubai of three lanes in and back side of the bus indicating the route and for ten minutes at peak time, it would lead base structure, mobile panoramic roof, air- Creek visitors, are constructed in the form of destination in Arabic and English. to unbearable traffic congestion that needs conditioning and comfortable seats a one level traditional building on 16sqm area, each direction, HE Mattar Al Tayer said that RTA has more than 40 minutes to get traffic back to accommodating 36 passengers. and mounted on the deck of a traditional boat. further ambitious plans which aim at the normal. In such circumstances, heavy towing HE Mattar Al Tayer said that the Water Bus development of public transport system vehicles would not be able to have rapid access project commenced its works in the second half Public Transport Buses and can including the purchase of 620 buses to be to the accident scene. of last February, pointing out that ten water HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al supplied in 2007-2008 for total cost of more The RTA has set the service times of the buses had been designed and manufactured Maktoum, Vice President, and Prime Minister accommodate than one million dirham. Therefore, the total intervention bikes from 6 am to 9 pm, during locally within five months only at a total cost of of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai inaugurated the number of buses will rise to 1200 in 2008. which traffic congestion and bottlenecks are at AED 7 million. new public transport “single and double deck” up to 3000 The new fleet will embrace 170 double-deck their peak. The first stage of this service will In addition, the water bus of 12m long, buses that the RTA recently purchased This buses, 300 single deck buses, 70 ordinary begin by deploying four motorbikes on the 4m wide, 7-tonnes weight, 10-12 knot speed, included a deal including 80 buses, 51 of which buses, 30 buses for airport transport and 50 major roads of Dubai namely, Sheikh Zayed operates with two diesel engines of 185 hp each are double decks and 2.9 single-deck buses for a vehicles in each medium-sized buses. Road, Emirates Road, , and is designed in consistence with the highest total cost of AED 148 million. This move comes and Al Gharhoud Bridge. international standards of safety and security. in line with RTA’s efforts to attract further direction in the Speedy Intervention Motorbikes RTA plans to expand the deployment of these The Water Bus will operate on four routes passengers and minimise traffic congestion. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid motorbikes if the initial stage proves to connecting both sides of Dubai Creek and The double-deck buses accommodate 160 morning and Al Maktoum, also reviewed the intervention be successful. covering four stations, namely, Al Sabkha, Al passengers while the single deck buses take motorbikes that are used in towing broken In conclusion, HE Al Tayer highlighted that Saif, Dubai Old Market, Al Ghubaiba, Bani Yas only 110 passengers. In this regard, HE Al down vehicles or pulling cars coming from the Floating Bridge will increase the routes on and Station with 15 minutes interval Tayer said that the new fleet of buses is evening peak minor accidents in order to ease the traffic Dubai Creek to 38, which represents a doubling for each trip. In addition, there will be one more equipped with the highest standard of safety congestion. It should be noted that speedy of the existing routes in use prior to the opening tourism route connecting Al Saif Station with and security, and designed to meet the hours.” intervention motorbikes are introduced for the last March.

06 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 07 RTA NEWS RTA NEWS

HH SHEIKH HAMDAN ORDERS ESTABLISHMENT OF DUBAI 3RD PHASE OF RAS AL KHOR CROSSING IMPLEMENTED TAXI AGENCY IN NEW ORGANISATIONAL SET-UP The Roads & Transport Authority extension towards Ras Al the Oud Metha roundabout Agency, said that there were a has confirmed that work is in full Khor crossing starting from the and setting up bridges across the number of measures in process to AALa^bdaAZf]Zg[bgFhaZff^] k^eZm^]mhma^[nlbg^llZg] swing and on schedule through two Dubai International Airport water canal of Business Bay. reduce congestion, namely: [bgKZlab]:eFZdmhnf%

08 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 09 RTA NEWS RTA NEWS

MIRDIFF BRIDGE PROJECT IMPROVEMENT APPROVED AUCTION REVENUE DONATED TO UAE PARALYMPICS H.E. Matter Al Tayer, special needs, and - working towards fitness standards of In compliance with the directives of Chairman of the Board since its creation - overcoming obstacles, the athletes. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and Executive Director we’ve done everything reorienting attitudes, Mr. Juma Balraqad, Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-president of the Roads & Transport we can to make all enlightening minds the Executive Director and Prime Minister and Ruler of Authority (RTA), our projects open and creating of the UAE Paralympics, Dubai, to speed up the execution of announced that the and accessible. This opportunities for the praised the initiative roads servicing the grand urban and sales proceeds of three is demonstrated athletes. This will help of the RTA: “it reflects developmental projects, H.E. Mattar prestige vehicle by the policies we them demonstrate their full conception Al Tayer Chairman and Executive numbers will be have followed when their gallantry, skills of the concerns and Director of the RTA’s Board of allocated to the UAE constructing roads, and talents, as well as requirements of people Directors, approved the improvement Paralympics in a developing the new attaining happiness and with special needs. project of the Mirdiff Bridge at a total bid to support this Metro system, enlarging promoting friendships The RTA’s initiative cost of around AED 236 million. important event. the fleet of Public across the world. will contribute to Al Tayer said that the project “This RTA initiative Transport buses, or Mattar Al Tayer bolstering the efforts involved the development and is aimed to support working on marine added as well that of the Paralympics, improvement of the existing the cause of people transport. We believe the UAE Paralympics via participation in the bridge on the Al Khawaneej Road with special needs, very deeply that all provides opportunities World Summer Games, Intersection with Al Jazaer Road. encouraging them to those with special for athletes to enhance to be held in He stated that the existing bridge take part in sports needs should be totally their knowledge and early October 2007. would be replaced with a bridged and sporting events. integrated into the skills, so that they can The UAE team will take intersection of high traffic capacity. The RTA has developed community”, Al train as coaches, part in the Championship MARINE TRANSPORT AGENCY UNVEILS an ambitious plan to Tayer said. judges, official speakers with 27 athletes, and In addition the project would make the emirate He also hailed the and leaders. It also they will compete also include the expansion of Al ITS STRATEGIC PLAN of Dubai friendly efforts being taken by helps in keeping in eight different Khawaneej Road by 3.4 km and to everyone with the UAE Paralympics, up the health and disciplines,” he added. Al Jazaer Road by 1.6 km, which Ma^FZkbg^MkZglihkm :e=hlZkbZ]]^] bg\en]^]bgma^ \hg]bmbhgbg`'BmaZl would both contribute to ease off :`^g\rbgma^KhZ]l maZmma^LmkZm^`b\ FZkbg^MkZglihkm mph]b^l^e^g`bg^l the traffic jam on this intersection. MkZglihkm IeZgbg\en]^]ma^ LmkZm^`b\IeZg h_-.)ahkl^ihp^k' He added that a diversion would :nmahkbmr%=n[Zb% eZng\ah_ma^PZm^k !IaZl^B"'BmblfZ]^ Ma^k^Zk^l^o^g be constructed to give a free left Zgghng\^]bml ;nlikhc^\mbgma^ h_ZenfbgnfZg] [hZmlbgmablikhc^\m' RAIL AGENCY PARTICIPATES IN RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE MENA 2007 turn for motorists entering from LmkZm^`b\IeZg+)+)% ÓklmiaZl^'Ma^PZm^k aZlZ]nZeehp\aZllbl Ma^gnf[^kh_ Al Khawaneej Road towards Al _hk]^o^ehibg`FZkbg^ ;nlikhc^\mphne] dghpgZlbllZ:e=hlZkb% Zkhng]m^gpZm^k& ,)f^mk^lbge^g`ma ma^Óklmr^Zkbl k^\^gmeriZkmb\biZm^]bgma^KZbe Manlma^KM:aZlZg flow for motorists coming from <>Hh_Ma^FZkbg^ [nl^llmZkmbg`Cner' Zg]0f^mk^lbg +%1))%)))i^klhgl' Bg_kZlmkn\mnk^F>G:+))0' Zf[bmbhnlieZgh_]^o^ehibg` the Emirates Road towards Al MkZglihkm:`^g\r Ma^KM:^qi^\m pb]ma'BmaZlZli^^] Mablikhc^\m\ho^kl Ma^mak^^]Zr\hg_^k^g\^ ma^^qblmbg`mkZglihkm Khawaneej Road. The project lZb]%ÇMa^FZkbg^ maZmma^gnf[^kh_ nimh+-dghmli^k _hnklmZmbhglpab\a [khn`ammh`^ma^k`eh[ZeKZbe lrlm^fZg]^g\hnkZ`bg` would also include all the services MkZglihkm:`^g\r \hffnm^klnmbeblbg` ahnkZg]p^b`al Zk^@he]Lhnd `nknl%manlikhob]bg`oZenZ[e^ i^hie^mhnl^ma^in[eb\ related to irrigation, sewage, bl]^o^ehibg`Zg] ma^pZm^k&[nlbg Zkhng]+)mhgg^l' lmZmbhg%;ZgbRZl bglb`amlbgmhFb]]e^>Zlm^kg mkZglihkmlrlm^fbg lighting and traffic signs, as well bfie^f^gmbg`Zee ma^Óklmr^Zkphne] BmaZlZ\ZiZ\bmrh_ lmZmbhg%=0[beebhgaZl[^^g mak^^d^rbgbmbZmbo^l maZmma^Ç=n[Zb?^kkr iZghkZfb\\^bebg` Ma^l^[hZmlpbee[^ MkZglihkmZmbhgbg=n[Zb% bgo^lm^]bgkhZ]ikhc^\ml' Zli^kma^FZkbg^ Ikhc^\mphne][^ pbmaZab`a hi^kZmbhgZeZlh_ :]gZg:eAZffZ]b%=bk^\mhk Ma^k^Zk^ieZgl_hkbg\k^Zlbg` LmkZm^`b\ieZg' ma^l^\hg]ikhc^\m jnZebmr\^gmkZeZbk :n`nlmg^qmr^Zk' h_=*)0'-[beebhg' parents in the UAE, of Director of Traffic maZmikboZm^o^ab\e^lfZd^ pZedpZrl'Ma^gnf[^kh_ pbee[^*-.%)))' Hma^klh\bZe^\hghfb\[^g^Óml the dangers of placing Department, Traffic ni.)i^k\^gmh_ma^mhmZe \khllbg`lpbee[^bg\k^Zl^] Hma^klrlm^flbg\en]^ h_]^o^ehibg`ZfZllmkZglihkm a child in the front & Roads Agency, urged mkZ_Ó\pabe^in[eb\mkZglihkm _khf*2mh-0bg+))1 ma^bgmkh]n\mbhgh_ lrlm^fbg\en]^ZmmkZ\mbg` seat of the vehicle. The all motorists to \hgmkb[nm^lmh,)i^k\^gm Zg]*))bg+)+)'È bgm^eeb`^gmmkZ_Ó\l^kob\^l eh\ZeZg]_hk^b`gbgo^lmf^gml% impact of the collision comply with the RTA’s h_ma^mkZ_Ó\'=n^mhma^eZ\d Hgma^In[eb\MkZglihkm maZm\hfikbl^OZkbZ[e^ lnlmZbgbg`^\hghfb\`khpma% and the airbag could be warning, which is part h_mkZglihkmZem^kgZmbo^l%ehlm _khgm%ma^F^mkhg^mphkdpbee F^llZ`^Lb`gl%=Zebeb ^g\hnkZ`bg`mhnkblf%f^^mbg` dangerous to the child, of its vision of providing phkdbg`mbf^Zfhngmlmh [^bg\k^Zl^]mh,*1dflZg] GZob`Zmbhg%Bg\b]^gm ihineZmbhg`khpma% leading to serious injury “Safe and Smooth :>=-'/[beebhg^o^krr^Zk' ma^mkZfg^mphkdmh+0)dfl FZgZ`^f^gmLrlm^f% `eh[ZeblZmbhgZg]ikhm^\mbg` or even death. Transport for all”. ;r+)+)%ma^Zo^kZ`^]Zber pabe^ma^[nlg^mphkdpbee MkZ_Ó\Lb`gZe

10 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 11 RTA NEWS RTA NEWS

FIRST IN THE M.E.- TOWING BIKES INTRODUCED EMIRATES GAS TO PROVIDE NEW ‘GREEN’ CNG FUEL FOR ABRAS

The Roads & Transport Authority three abras on CNG, the RTA (RTA) signed an agreement with will embark on a study to Emirates Gas, a subsidiary of generalise the application of Emirates National Oil Co. Ltd fuelling options on other modes (ENOC) to convert three of marine transport in the RTA. engines and supply them with Operating engines of abra on the compressed natural gas CNG has multiple benefits in (CNG) instead of diesel. The terms of the economic feasibility agreement was signed on behalf compared to diesel. It is of RTA by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, expected to reduce fuelling cost by Chairman & Executive Director 30 per cent and reduce pollution and on behalf of Emirates Gas levels resulting from the diesel- by H.E. Hussain Sultan, Chief operated engines of abras by Executive for the ENOC Group. 66 per cent. It will also curb the As per the agreement, the RTA emission of harmful gases such and Emirates Gas would conduct of the usage of CNG to operate on the progress of the same. as 1st and 2nd Carbon Dioxide experiments and studies about abras. CNG Cylinders would be Conclusions and findings would be emanating from the engine operating abras on compressed filled at a temporary station set outlined to sort out the problems exhausts of abras. In fact it is natural gas (CNG) instead of diesel, within the abra berthing sites, encountered during the execution safer in the event of leakage or due to the enormous benefits provided the transition of such of the project. Additionally, abra gas overflow due to the of using natural gas in terms stations across the public roads operators would be trained on introduction of the auto shutting of economic & environmental is approved by the relevant the use of CNG in their abras. system that prevents the engine aspects and thus slashing authorities. Safety and security The agreement provided from catching fire. It needs a the cost of fuel and reducing rules would be issued in accordance for adopting the international smaller engine with a higher environmental pollution. with the international standards standards applicable in the use efficiency and reduced noise. According to the agreement, and all regulations and laws of CNG; and ensures against Maintenance works are easier RTA would specify three abras for governing operation of abras. the risks of engine conversion compared to diesel-operated operation on natural gas after The agreement also states operations and refuelling. engines. The prescribed lifetime securing agreements with their that Emirates Gas would finance H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the engine is ultimately “Studies A'>'FZmmZk:eMZr^k%q^\nmbo^ respective owners. Abra operators the experimental phase of the of the board and Executive Director, prolonged as it will be free conducted ma^;hZk]Zg]>q^\nmbo^=bk^\mhk fbghkmkZ_Ó\Z\\b]^gmZg]eZlml_hk =bk^\mhkh_ma^KM:\hg\en]^] would be briefed and informed project, and periodic reports would RTA, stated that: “In the event from lead and there will be no h_KhZ]l MkZglihkm:nmahkbmr *)fbgnm^l]nkbg`i^Zdi^kbh]%bm [rlZrbg`maZmma^[bd^lpbee[^ about the importance and benefits be prepared by both the parties of a successful operation of the oil spills” Al Tayer stated. by the RTA !KM:"k^\^gmereZng\a^]kZib] phne]k^lnembgZmkZ_Ó\\hg`^lmbhg hi^kZmbhgZe[^mp^^g/ZfZg]  revealed that ]^iehrf^gm[bd^l_hkmhpbg`_Znemr maZmphne]k^jnbk^fhk^maZg-) 2if4pab\abl\hglb]^k^]ma^ emergencies o^ab\e^l!hko^ab\e^lbgoheo^]bg fbgnm^lmh\e^Zk'Bgln\a\Zl^lbm i^Zdmbf^_hkmkZ_Ó\cZfl'Bgma^ and traffic fbghkmkZ_Ó\Z\\b]^gml"h__ma^ phne][^]b_Ó\nem_hklmZg]Zk] ÓklmlmZ`^h_ma^^qi^kbf^gm accidents are khZ]bghk]^kmh^Zl^mkZ_Ó\cZfl k^\ho^kro^ab\e^lmhZ\\^llma^lbm^ _hnk[bd^lphne][^]^iehr^] AL WUGEISHA 1 CROSSES THE DUBAI CREEK SUCCESSFULLY among the bg=n[Zb'Ma^mhpbg`[bd^lZk^ h_ma^bg\b]^gmmhmhpma^o^ab\e^4 mh\ho^kd^rlihmlbg=n[Zb%bg ma^Óklmh_ma^bkdbg]mh[^nl^] paZmblk^jnbk^]blZkZib]f^Zgl pab\a[k^Zd]hpglhkZ\\b]^gml Ma^KZbe:`^g\rh_ Ahp^o^k%ma^mngg^e key factors of bgma^Fb]]e^>Zlm%pabe^ma^N:> h_Z\\^llbg`ma^lbm^h_ma^Z\\b]^gm' \Znl^l^kbhnlmkZ_Ó\cZfl% ma^KhZ] MkZglihkm \hglmkn\mbhghgma^ road jams and aZl[^\hf^ma^_hnkma\hngmkrmh Ln\af^Zglphne]aZo^mh[^a^Zor gZf^erLa^bdaSZr^]K]%:e :nmahkbmrZgghng\^] @k^^gEbg^blr^mmhlmZkm' account for nl^ma^l^o^ab\e^lphke]pb]^' ]nmr%^__^\mbo^%mbgrZg]li^^]r' Labg]Z`aZMngg^e%:eFZdmhnf maZmma^Mngg^e;hkbg` Ma^=n[ZbF^mkhIkhc^\m ÇIkhob]bg`mabll^kob\^\hf^l Ma^g^perbgmkh]n\^]Ahg]Z ;kb]`^Zg]:e@Zkahn];kb]`^'Ma^ FZ\abg^!M;F*"dghpg pbeenmbebl^mak^^M;Fl 16 per cent Zl:ePn`^blaZ*aZl _hkma^ng]^k`khng] of the traffic bgebg^pbmama^oblbhgh_ma^ @he]pbg`;bd^lZk^^Z\a\ZiZ[e^h_ KM:pbee^qiZg]ma^\ho^kZ`^hg\^ KM:mhikhob]^ÇlZ_^Zg]lfhhma mhpbg`Z+'.mhgg^o^ab\e^ZmZli^^] ma^\hg\^imikho^lln\\^ll_ne' \hfie^m^]hg^h_bml \hglmkn\mbhg':mhmZe congestion “ mkZglihkmZmbhg_hkZeeÈZlbmblma^ h_,)dia'PbmaZpb]mah_hger fhlm]b_Ó\nemmZldl[r e^g`mah_*)dfh_ Óklm^o^kbgbmbZmbo^h_bmlmri^mh 2.\fl%ma^[bd^l\Zg[^lfhhmaer mngg^eebg`ng]^kma^ mngg^eebg`pbee[^]hg^ [^bgmkh]n\^]mhma^k^`bhg'BmaZl ]kbo^gZg]fZgh^nok^][^mp^^g FACT SHEET - TOWING BIKES =n[Zb\k^^d':[]ne [rma^mak^^M;Fl Zek^Z]r[^^gikho^gln\\^ll_ne o^ab\e^lhg\hg`^lm^]khZ]l%ngebd^ FZc^^]:eDaZcZ%<>H _hk[hmama^K^]Zg] bglhf^\hngmkb^lpab\apbmg^ll ma^li^\bZebl^]mhpbg`o^ab\e^l' h_ma^KZbe:`^g\r @k^^gebg^l'Pabe^mph Make: HONDA GOLDWING lZb]%Ç:ePn`^blaZ* M;FlZk^ln\\^ll_neer mkZ_Ó\\hg`^lmbhg]nkbg`i^Zd :eMZr^k]^l\kb[^]ma^l^kob\^ Towing Capacity: 2.5 tonnes Ógbla^]ma^,))f mngg^eebg`hgma^K^] DaZcZZ]]^]%ÇM;F+ *1)f'M;F+bl]n^mh mngg^eebg`_hkma^K^] ahnklln\aZlLp^]^g%

12 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 13 FEATURE THE RTA RECEIVES MANY [^-*eZg^l\khllbg`ma^fbkZm^lKhZ]bfikho^f^gmlZk^ ;rma^^g]h_+))2'Rhnpbeel^^Z]kZfZmb\ and what ZelhobmZe%]hn[ebg`ma^\ZiZ\bmrh_ma^ ]b__^k^g\^mh=n[ZbÊlmkZglihkmlrlm^f% ^qblmbg`khZ]'P^Êk^Zelh\hglmkn\mbg`g^p ghmhgerbgm^kflh_ahp^Z\abg]bob]nZe bgm^k\aZg`^lho^kma^^qblmbg`khng]Z[hnml% l^\mhk&khZ]l%fZkbg^%in[eb\mkZglihkm ;r_Zkma^eZk`^lmgnf[^kh_^gjnbkb^l fZdbg`ikh`k^llfn\ajnb\d^kZg] &phkd%[nmahp^Zlrbmblmhlpbm\a[^mp^^g p^k^\^bo^k^eZm^mhkhZ]ieZggbg`Zg] hi^gbg`nima^ihm^gmbZe_hk_nkma^kebgdl ma^]b__^k^gmlrlm^fl'P^Zk^Zeeehhdbg` \hglmkn\mbhg'?hk^qZfie^%ma^k^Êlgh pbmaZ]]bmbhgZekhZ]l' _hkpZk]mhmablmbf^' ^l\Zibg`ma^_Z\mmaZm%Zeemhhh_m^g% ● P^lahne]Zelhf^gmbhgma^ khZ]phkdlpbeee^Z]mh^qmkZ\hg`^lmbhg4 \hfik^a^glbo^bfikho^f^gmlmhma^ How does the RTA define its ‘vision’ for the [nmblbmZeephkmabmbgma^^g]8PaZmZk^ ^qblmbg`Hnm^k;riZll_khfLaZkcZamh:e future of transport in Dubai? p^Z\mnZeerphkdbg`mhpZk]l8A^k^%p^ :bgZg]hgmhma^:[n=aZ[b[hk]^kl'Mabl MaZmÊlma^^Zlb^lmjn^lmbhgmhZglp^k'Hnk Zk^]^eb`am^]mhZglp^klhf^h_rhnk pbeeikhob]^Z_k^^_ehp%lbq&eZg^khnm^pab\a b]^Zeoblbhgbl[^lmlnff^]niZlÉlZ_^% happens _Zohnkbm^jn^lmbhgl%\hnkm^lrh_KM:Êl pbee[^Z`k^ZmZem^kgZmbo^_hkmkn\dl&Zg] lfhhmamkZglihkm_hkZeeÊ' l^gbhk]bk^\mhkl' hma^ka^ZormkZ__b\&maZmaZo^mhfho^ma^ e^g`mah_=n[Zb' The Roads & Transport Authority’s 10 strategic What forthcoming projects do you see as goals and specific objectives particularly key to the RTA‘s strategic plan? What would you say to the motorists FZgrk^lb]^gmlbg=n[ZbfZrghm[^ZpZk^ Ma^k^Zk^k^Zeer_hnkg^pikhc^\mlmaZmpbee currently experiencing additional delays maZmma^KM:Z\mnZeeraZlZo^kr]^mZbe^] lmk^g`ma^g=n[ZbÊlkhZ]g^mphkd'Ma^rZk^ as a result of the RTA’s roadworks? Will ÉZ\mbhgieZgÊ&ma^k^ÊlZehmh_l\b^g\^Zg] ZeepaZmp^Ê]\ZeeÉlmkZm^`b\Êkhnm^l%Zg] it be worth it in the end? l^kbhnlmahn`am[^abg]Zeemahl^khZ]phkdl ma^rÊk^Zl_heehpl3 K^f^f[^k%maZmp^Êk^Zee\hffnm^klZg] Bg_Z\m%ma^k^Zk^m^glmkZm^`b\`hZel%^Z\a p^Êk^Zeebgmablmh`^ma^k'=n[Zbblhnk\bmr% h_pab\abg\en]^lZgnf[^kh_ next... ● ?bklmer%ma^

14 | issue 02| www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 15 FEATURE

STRATEGIC GOALS

Achieving mobility land and sea transportation ● Commitment to making Upgrading for all users of ● Contributing to achieving environmental studies for all the efficient 1the road system integration by effective projects of the RTA 8utilisation and land and marine planning of land use and ● Deepening pride in the original of the RTA’s resources, mass transport transportation systems heritage of the Emirate utilities and premises ● Speeding up the legislative Specific objectives process governing road, land and Developing Specific objectives ● Increasing the capacity of the sea mass transport systems relations with ● Managing and applying road networks ● Providing a modern road 6various categories optimum technical solutions ● Decreasing the concentration network and marine transport of customers and to the RTA’s business of vehicles on main trunk routes compatible with the urban strategic partners ● Ensuring the efficiency and during peak hours demogaphics of Dubai quality of logistics and services ● Introducing intelligent systems ● Introducing the unified Specific objectives supplied to the RTA for streamlining traffic flow in card system ● Increasing the number of ● Enhancing electronic services the Emirate ways in which our services fore-Government ● Increasing the capacity of the Making the meet special customer requirements ● Efficient and effective land and sea mass transport systems means of mass ● Increasing the mutually management of supply operations ● Providing the users of land and 4transport by road beneficial relationships between ● Maintaining high operational sea mass transport systems with and sea the favourite the RTA and various customers conditions for the RTA’s smooth and easy transportation, choice of commuters ● Heightening the community assets and properties whatever their destination in Dubai awareness of the role played by ● Providing a work environment ● Upgrading the efficiency of land Specific objectives the RTA enabling employees to do and sea mass transport operations ● Providing comfortable and ● Strengthening the RTA’s their jobs efficiently and effectively ● Reducing the trip time of land fast transport alternatives identity and achieving a and sea mass transportation through a modern mass road favourable standing for the Making the RTA and marine transport network RTA among all categories the first career Boosting the safety ● Opening new markets inside of customer 9choice of qualified levels of the the UAE and expanding them ● Developing customer personnel 2road network to the neighbouring regions service centres and land and sea mass ● Increasing the share of ● Developing successful liaison Specific objectives transport systems mass transport in the Emirate’s with strategic partners ● Multiplying the RTA’s competitive transportation operations edge when it comes to attracting talent Specific objectives ● Minimising the use of private Rationalising ● Attaining self-sufficiency ● Reducing the number of vehicles in individual transportation expenditure, of UAE nationals’ specialised manpower road accidents and the resulting ● Stepping up the use of cycling 7maximising ● Qualifying fully competent mortality rates and walking as a means to reach revenues and employees in specialist positions ● Reducing the number of land and sea mass transport facilities minimising risks ● Establishing a comprehensive accidents made by both land and system of employee retention sea mass transport and the Protecting the Specific objectives resulting mortality rates environment, ● Expanding the level of Boosting ● Influencing the attitude of users 5preserving nature, governance and administrative the quality of the road network and land and public safety and transparency and boosting 10of strategic sea mass transport systems heritage while carrying the concepts and practices thinking; breeding ● Developing efficient mechanisms out the business of preserving public funds the culture and for dealing with emergencies the RTA ● Privatising non-core practices of excellence ● Raising the standards and RTA services and quality specifications of traffic safety Specific objectives ● Raising feasible financial ● Protecting lives and returns on RTA’s investments Specific objectives Striking a balance and properties and conserving ● Increasing the participation ● Furthering the strategic achieving integration the environment of various parties in thinking and corporate 3between road ● Improving the standards of funding roads and mass governance in the RTA and systems, land and marine occupational health transport systems its agencies mass transport and public safety ● Maintaining the continuity ● Promoting innovative thinking ● Introducing the technology of government funding and ● Diffusing and fostering the Specific objectives necessary for minimising the noise RTA support culture of excellence and quality ● Achieving not only integration but levels resulting from the various ● Upgrading the efficiency of ● Introducing the procedures the comprehensive coverage of road, modes of transport risk management and systems of quality management.

Untitled-1 1 7/2/07 12:49:25 PM 16 | issue 0201 || www.rta.ae INTERVIEW

The chairman’s view

'>'FZmmZk:eMZr^k% \ho^kma^hi^kZmbhgh_Dahnkkhnm^l :>=*)[beebhg' q^\nmbo^ Z\\hk]bg`mhln\\^llbo^iaZl^l% Ma^Inkie^Ebg^aZl_^p^k =bk^\mhkh_ma^KhZ]l  ma^\hZlmZekhnm^Zehg`Cnf^kbZa lmZmbhgl%[nmZab`afZqbfnf MkZglihkm:nmahkbmr%aZl [^Z\a_hkma^mhnkblmlbg=n[Zb%Zg] li^^]h_[^mp^^g*,.mh*/)dfi^k ^fiaZlbl^]maZm%nimh+))2%ma^H &fhlmbfihkmZgmer&ma^khnm^_hk ahnk%\hfiZk^]pbmama^-)dfl KM:ÊllmkZm^`b\ieZgpbee[^[Zl^]hg ma^bg]nlmkbZebleZg]l%pa^k^p^Zk^ li^^]ebfbmh_ma^K^]Ebg^pab\a mak^^fZchkZk^Zl%gZf^er3 \hhk]bgZmbg`pbmama^IZeflZg] bl\nkk^gmerng]^k\hfie^mbhg'Bg \hglb]^kbg`ma^ikhc^\mk^jnbk^f^gml Z]]bmbhg%ma^mkbi]nkZmbhg[^mp^^g ● ?bg]bg`lhenmbhgl_hkma^]be^ffZ Zg]ma^Zeeh\Zmbhgh_lmZmbhglhgma^ ma^l^mphZbkihkmlbl-)fbgnm^l h_mkZ__b\\hg`^lmbhgmaZmaZl[^^g bleZg]l'Ma^eZmm^kbl^qi^\m^]mh[^ bg\en]bg`lmhiho^kZmlmZmbhgl' fhngmbg`bgk^\^gmr^ZklZlZk^lnem bghi^kZmbhghg\^ma^\hglmkn\mbhg Ma^\hglnemZgm\hff^g\^] h_ma^bg\k^Zl^bgihineZmbhg!ni/ Zg]aZ[bmZmbhgh_ma^bg]nlmkbZe ma^]^lb`gphkdlbgFZr+))0 ZggnZeer"\hnie^]pbmama^bg\k^Zl^ bleZg]lZk^\hfie^m^]' !mh[^\hfie^m^]FZr+))1"%Zg] h_ikboZm^o^ab\e^hpg^klabinimh Ma^ikhc^\mpbee[^i^k_hkf^] ln[l^jn^gmer%ma^KM:pbeeZgghng\^ *0'Bgmabl\hgm^qm%lmn]b^lihbgm ln[c^\mmhma^ab`a^lmlmZg]Zk]lh_ Zm^g]^k_hkma^[nbe]bg`phkdl%Zg] hnmmaZm[r+)+)%ma^mkbilh_ikboZm^ lZ_^mrZg]l^\nkbmr'Ma^k^pbee[^ ma^l^e^\mbhgikh\^llpbeemZd^ieZ\^ o^ab\e^l]nkbg`ma^fhkgbg`i^Zd fh]^kgZbk\hg]bmbhg^][hZmlZg] _khfFZr+))1ngmbeFZk\a+))2' ahnklZk^^qi^\m^]mhcnfi_khf ik^lmb`bhnl_Z\bebmb^l\hglmkn\m^]Zl Ma^ikhc^\mÊl\hfie^mbhgpbeemZd^ ,.)%)))mh*'.fbeebhgmkbilZ]Zr' i^kma^[^lmbgm^kgZmbhgZeikZ\mb\^l' -.fhgmal^__^\mbo^_khfFZk\a ● Ma^l^\hg]Zk^Zh_ma^lmkZm^`b\ BgZ]]bmbhg%aheblmb\lmn]b^lpbee[^ +))2%Zg]ma^Inkie^Ebg^pbee[^ ieZgpbeeZ]]k^llma^blln^h_ \hg]n\m^]hgZeema^^gobkhgf^gmZe bgl^kob\^bg=^\^f[^k+)*+' ^gaZg\bg`mkZ__b\lZ_^mrbg=n[Zb% Zli^\mlh_ma^ikhc^\m' Ma^F^mkh\hglblmlh_/&2 Zl_ZmZebmb^lZllh\bZm^]pbmamkZ__b\ Ma^FZkbg^MkZglihkm:`^g\r \ZkkbZ`^lbg\en]bg`mahl^Zeeh\Zm^] Z\\b]^gmlaZo^lnk`^]mh+)\Zl^l aZlZek^Z]r\hff^g\^]ma^ _hken``Z`^'Ma^,'+fpb]maZg] i^k*))%)))h_=n[ZbÊlihineZmbhg _bklmlmZ`^h_mablieZgpab\abg\n]^l ,'1fa^b`am\ZkkbZ`^lZk^]^lb`g^] \hfiZk^]mhhger/\Zl^li^k ni`kZ]bg`fZkbg^mkZglihkmZmbhg mhZ\\hffh]Zm^_b_mrl^Zml%Zg] *))%)))h_ihineZmbhgbghma^k lrlm^fl_hkiZll^g`^klbg:eDahnk li^\bZe\ZkkbZ`^lpbee[^Zeeh\Zm^]_hk \hngmkb^lln\aZl;kbmZbghkLp^]^g' ZlZgZ]]bmbhgZef^Zglh_mkZglihkm phf^gZg]\abe]k^g'Ma^ikh`k^ll ● Ma^mabk]Zk^Zpbee\hg\^gmkZm^hg Zg]bgm^`kZmbg`ma^fpbmama^k^lm h_phkdhgma^F^mkhÊlK^]Ebg^Zg] ^g\hnkZ`bg`i^hie^mhnl^in[eb\ h_mkZglihkmZmbhgbgma^>fbkZm^' @k^^gEbg^bl\hglblm^gmpbmama^l^m mkZglihkmpab\aZ\\hngml_hkhger Fhk^ho^k%ma^_bklmlmZ`^bg\en]^l l\a^]ne^%Zg]KM:aZl\hfie^m^] /h_ma^mhmZegnf[^kh_mkbil% ma^hi^kZmbhgh_m^gfZkbg^[nl^l ma^ik^ebfbgZkr]^lb`gphkdl_hk \hfiZk^]mh1)bghma^k]^o^ehi^] pbma,.iZll^g`^k\ZiZ\bmrmaZm eZrbg`ma^K^]Ebg^!*0dflbg \bmb^lh_ma^phke]' pbee[^bgl^kob\^bgCner+))0%Zg] e^g`ma"_khfma^?k^^Shg^bg ma^hi^kZmbhgh_lbq_^kkb^lpbma*+) C^[^e:ebmhma^hnmldbkmlh_:[n Ma^Z[ho^mhib\laZo^[^^gkZbl^] iZll^g`^k\ZiZ\bmrpab\apbee[^bg =aZ[b%Zg]l^o^glmZmbhglpbee bgma^\hnkl^h_A'>FZmmZk l^kob\^g^qmr^Zk' [^Z]]^]mhmablkhnm^' :eMZr^kÊlbgm^kob^ppbmaKM: FZ`Zsbg^'P^Êk^]^eb`am^]mh What are the latest updates on What are the salient characteristics _^Zmnk^ma^_neem^qm[^ehp3 Metro Dubai Project? of - and how will it be What are your plans for developing Ma^KM:aZlk^\^gmer^gm^k^]bgmh integrated with the other means of marine transportation? Z`k^^f^gmpbmama^bgm^kgZmbhgZe transportation? KM:aZl\hg]n\m^]\hfik^a^glbo^ \hglnemZgm!IZklhgl;kbg\d^kah__" Bphne]ebd^mhihbgmhnmmaZm lmn]b^lZg]fZii^]hnmZ ng]^kpab\ama^eZmm^klaZee =n[ZbF^mkhaZlh_\hnkl^[^^gma^ :>=*[beebhglmkZm^`b\ieZg ng]^kmZd^mhikhob]^ma^ik^ebfbgZkr ln[c^\mh_Zgnf[^kh_lmn]b^l_hk _hkma^]^o^ehif^gmh_fZkbg^ ]^lb`gh_ma^=n[ZbF^mkhInkie^ fZgrr^Zkl'Lhblma^ebgdZ`^pbma mkZglihkmZmbhglrlm^flbgma^ Ebg^%pab\a\hgg^\ml=n[Zb kZbepZrlrlm^flbgma^N:>Zg] >fbkZm^h_=n[Zb'Ma^ieZgpbee[^ Bgm^kgZmbhgZe:bkihkmpbmaC^[^e:eb ma^@<<\hngmkb^l' “The RTA has many future projects in the pipeline, aiming at the bfie^f^gm^]bg`kZ]nZeiaZl^lZg] :bkihkmZehg`Z]blmZg\^h_-2dfl' Ma^lmZmbhglZk^]^lb`g^]Zli^k pbmabgZli^\b_b\l\a^]ne^'Mablpbee Ma^\hlmh_mablikhc^\mblZ[hnm ma^ab`a^lmbgm^kgZmbhgZelmZg]Zk]l% improvement of the roads’ network in the Emirate of Dubai”

18 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 19 pbmama^_Z\bebmrh_ikhob]bg`^Zlr =^\^f[^k+))1' ab`a^lmbgm^kgZmbhgZelmZg]Zk]l Z\\^llmhma^nl^klh_ikboZm^ ;^lb]^l%ma^KM:aZlng]^kmZd^g h_i^k_hkfZg\^%Zg]ma^ikh\^ll o^ab\e^l%hk_hkmahl^pahpbee ZfZchkikhc^\m_hkma^]^o^ehif^gm h_^oZenZmbhglmZd^lieZ\^lbgma^ “The stations [^Zkkbobg`Zmma^lmZmbhg[rmZqb' h_in[eb\mkZglihkmlrlm^flng]^k ik^l^g\^h_li^\bZeblmlni^koblhkl' Ma^ikhc^\maZlZelhmZd^gbgmh pab\abmlaZee\hglmkn\m20.Zbk ?^Zmnkbg`pbmabgm^kgZmbhgZe are designed as \hglb]^kZmbhgma^k^jnbk^f^gml \hg]bmbhg^][nlla^em^kl_hkma^ lmZg]Zk]lh_lZ_^mrZg]l^\nkbmr h_i^hie^pbmali^\bZeg^^]l%pbma iZll^g`^kl%]blmkb[nm^]Zmd^r Zg]^jnbii^]pbmama^lmZm^h_ma^ per the highest m^gfZchkl^kob\^likhob]^]ln\a eh\Zmbhglhg^Z\akhnm^'Ma^[nl Zkm\hffngb\Zmbhglrlm^fl%l\ahhe Zleb_ml%^l\ZeZmhkl%ZnmhfZm^] la^em^klpbeeikhob]^ma^iZll^g`^kl [nl^lpbeemkZo^eZehg`li^\bZe international iZrf^gmlrlm^fl%Z\\^ll]hhklmhma^ pbmama^g^\^llZkrbg_hkfZmbhg khnm^lpabe^mkZglihkmbg`lmn]^gml \ZkkbZ`^lZlp^eeZlma^Zeeh\Zmbhg ma^rg^^]mhdghpZ[hnmma^bk [Z\dZg]_hkma'BgZ]]bmbhg%l\ahhe standards, with h_liZ\^lmhpa^^e\aZbklpbmal^Zm ]^lmbgZmbhgl%Zg]Zk^^jnbii^] [nl^lpbee[^ebgd^]pbmaZlZm^eebm^ [^eml'Mabl_Z\bebmrpbee^gZ[e^i^hie^ pbmaZnmhfZm^]lrlm^fl_hk[nl m^e^\hffngb\Zmbhgg^mphkdbghk]^k the facility of pbmali^\bZeg^^]lmhaZo^lfhhma ]^iZkmnk^lZg]ZkkboZel' mh_Z\bebmZm^fho^f^gm%_heehpni Zg]lZ_^fho^f^gmmhma^pZ`hgl' Zg]\hgmkhe[nl^lÊchnkg^rl[rma^ providing easy Fhk^ho^k%ab`aeroblb[e^oblnZeZg] What is the percentage of public mkZ__b\k^`neZmbhg\hffbmm^^' Zn]bhZgghng\^f^gmlrlm^flpbee transportation systems that you access to the [^bglmZee^]mhl^ko^mablli^\bZe are aiming to achieve by 2020? Would school buses be considered `khnih_iZll^g`^klbgZ]]bmbhgmh Ma^lmkZm^`b\ieZgZ]him^] as an alternative for Emirates users of private b]^gmb_b\Zmbhglb`g[hZk]llahpbg` [rma^KM:Zbflmhbg\k^Zl^ buses which are currently ma^chnkg^rÊlkhnm^'Ma^pZ`hglpbee ma^\hgmkb[nmbhgh_in[eb\ undertaking the transportation of vehicles, or for [^^jnbii^]pbmalZ_^mrlrlm^fl mkZglihkmlrlm^fl![nl^l%fZkbg^ students in Dubai’s schools? Zg]<fbkZm^lMkZglihkmZmbhgblZ?^]^kZe those who will \hf_hkmZ[e^mkbi_hkZeeiZll^g`^kl' mhiZll^g`^klÊmkZglihkmZmbhgZg] \hkihkZmbhg%^qblmbg`pbmaZg fbgbfbl^ma^k^ebZg\^hgikboZm^ Znmhghfhnl^gmbmrZg]]bl\aZk`^l be arriving at What about the project connecting o^ab\e^l'P^ahi^mhbg\k^Zl^ma^ ma^_ng\mbhgl^gmknlm^]mhbm%pabe^ all the Emirates as well as the other \nkk^gmi^k\^gmZ`^h_/mh,)[r L\ahhe;nl^l:]fbgblmkZmbhgbl the station by taxi” Metro project connecting the UAE +)+)'Bghk]^kmhf^^mmablh[c^\mbo^% ng]^kma^KM:'Bm_ng\mbhglln[c^\m with the GCC countries? g^piheb\b^lZg]e^`bleZmbhglahne] mh\^kmZbgli^\b_b\ZmbhglZg]Zli^k Ma^F^mkhikhc^\mmaZm\hgg^\ml [^bfie^f^gm^]bg\en]bg`bfihlbg` ma^eZm^lmbgm^kgZmbhgZelmZg]Zk]l hgDahk=n[Zbpbee[^bg\k^Zl^] Mablpbee\ho^kZeema^l^kob\^l ]Zg`^khnlahe^l%k^ob^pbg` ma^Ngbm^]:kZ[>fbkZm^lmh`^ma^k Zgbg\k^Zl^hgo^ab\e^lk^`blmkZmbhg h_mkZglihkmZmbhg'Bmikhob]^lbml mh-0khnm^lbg+))1Zg]nimh*)) ikhob]^][rnl%Zg]Zli^\b_b\ ma^fZqbfnfli^^]ebfbm% _Zeelpbmabgma^cnkbl]b\mbhglh_ma^ _^^l%k^]n\mbhgh_]kbobg`eb\^g\^l l^kob\^lZ\\hk]bg`mhma^lniier khnm^lbg+)+)'Ma^_nmnk^ieZglpbee mbf^_kZf^pbee[^]^\b]^]_hk Zg]lmn]rbg`Zg]\hgmkheebg` ?^]^kZe`ho^kgf^gm':l_hkma^ mh^qiZmkbZm^l^fiehr^]bg\^kmZbg Zg]]^fZg]\kbm^kbZh_l\ahhel%Zg] Zelhbg\en]^ma^\hglmkn\mbhgh_2. ma^bklab_mbgmhma^g^p^e^\mkhgb\ ma^Zk^Zlbgpab\aZ\\b]^gml F^mkhikhc^\m\hgg^\mbg`ma^N:> \Zm^`hkb^lh_ikh_^llbhgl%^gZ\mf^gm mZd^lbgmh\hglb]^kZmbhgma^blln^l bgm^kl^\mbhglZg]Zf^g]f^gmphkdl lrlm^f'Ma^lmkZm^`rpbeel^mhnm mZd^ieZ\^_k^jn^gmer' pbmama^@<<\hngmkb^l%p^\ZglZr h_ma^k^e^oZgmeZplZmLmZm^e^o^e h_lZ_^mrZg]l^\nkbmrZlZfZmm^kh_ mhma^+.^qblmbg`bgm^kl^\mbhglZehg` li^\b_b\i^k_hkfZg\^bg]b\Zmhkl% Ma^KM:aZl]^lb`g^] maZmp^aZo^ZN:>k^ik^l^gmZmbo^bg Zg]k^]n\bg`ma^fZqbfnfZeehp^] ab`aikbhkbmr' pbmaZkZ]b\Zeni`kZ]bg`h_ma^ `Zn`bg`ma^^__^\mbo^g^llh_lab_mbg` ikh`kZff^l_hk^]n\Zmbg` ma^@^g^kZeL^\k^mZkbZmh_ma^@<< ebfbmlh_o^ab\e^^fbllbhgl' Ma^KM:aZlZelhng]^kmZd^g khZ]lÊg^mphkdpbmaZg^lmbfZm^] bgmh^e^\mkhgb\l^kob\^l' Zeenl^klh_khZ]l&]kbo^kl% mhmabl^__^\m%\Zkkrbg`hnmhg`hbg` ma^eZng\ah_f^]bZZpZk^g^ll \hlmh_:>=-.[beebhg[r+)+)' i^]^lmkbZgl%\abe]k^g%lmn]^gml% _^Zlb[bebmrlmn]b^l' You have announced a plan to \ZfiZb`glhgbmll\ahhe[nll^kob\^ Since traffic safety is of paramount fhma^klZg]hma^k`khnil'Ma^ establish an Administration for Zg]bmlbfihkmZg\^mhma^\hffngbmr What will be the length of Dubai importance to the RTA (and ZpZk^g^ll\ZfiZb`glZk^ What are your plans for the school buses. How do you envisage ZmeZk`^'P^Êk^^li^\bZeer\hg\^kg^] roads by 2020? specially in view of the surge of \hg]n\m^][roZkbhnlf^Zgl development of public transport this will operate? pbmak^]n\bg`mkZ__b\\hg`^lmbhg% Ma^mhmZee^g`mah_khZ]lh_Zee road accidents and fatalities), what bg\en]bg`ma^fZllf^]bZ% systems, and how would you Ma^L\ahhe;nl^l:]fbgblmkZmbhg pab\ablh_m^g_k^jn^gmbgma^ ]^lb`gl!ab`apZrl%mkngdkhZ]lZg] are the measures you are planning ikbgm^]fZm^kbZel%]bk^\m encourage the public to use them? pZl\k^Zm^]_hkma^inkihl^h_ l\ahheZk^Zl' eh\ZekhZ]l"bg=n[Zbngmbema^^g] for putting an end to bloodshed on \hffngb\Zmbhg%Zg]pbmali^\b_b\ Ma^KM:aZleZb]hnmZgZf[bmbhnl ikhob]bg`mkZglihkmZmbhgmhlmn]^gml Bgma^\hnkl^h_lmn]rbg`mabl h_+))/aZlk^Z\a^],+)2df%pbma the roads? nl^klh_ma^khZ]lZlp^eeZlpbma ieZg_hkma^]^o^ehif^gmh_in[eb\ h_oZkbhnll\ahhelmZ`^l%lmZkmbg` ikhc^\m%ma^KM:aZlmZd^gbgmh eh\ZekhZ]lZ\\hngmbg`_hk++0/dfl' Ma^KM:aZlZ]him^]ma^[^lm \hee^`^l%l\ahhel mkZglihkmZmbhglrlm^fl%pab\a _khfma^dbg]^k`Zkm^glÊZ`^`khni Z\\hngmbg\k^Zlbg`ma^gnf[^kh_ Bg+)+)%ma^e^g`malh_khZ]lZk^ bgm^kgZmbhgZeikZ\mb\^l_hkma^ Zg]h__b\^l' bg\en]^lbg\k^Zlbg`ma^gnf[^k Zg]ikbfZkrl\ahhelmn]^gmlpahl^ [nl^lkhnm^l\hgg^\mbg`l\ahhelpbma ^qi^\m^]%bgob^ph_ma^_nmnk^Zg] ^g`bg^^kbg`]^lb`glh_ma^g^p P^Zk^bgma^ikh\^llh_ h_[nl^l_khf..)mh*+))'Bgmabl [nl^lphne][^]b__^k^gm_khfmahl^ ma^lmn]^gmlÊln[nk[ZgZll^f[er lmkZm^`b\ikhc^\mlmh[^bfie^f^gm^] khZ]l%bfie^f^gmbg`\a^\d ikhob]bg`Zlrlm^f_hkma^ k^`Zk]%/+)[nl^l!phkmafhk^ h_ma^bgm^kf^]bZm^Zg]l^\hg]Zkr Zk^Zl%manl\k^Zmbg`ZgZem^kgZmbo^ bg=n[Zb%mhk^Z\a,1))dfl' f^Zlnk^lhgma^bklZ_^mr]nkbg` k^mkZbgbg`h_]kbo^klZli^kma^ maZg:>=*[beebhg"p^k^ink\aZl^] l\ahhelmn]^gml'Ma^_hkf^k`khni himbhg_hkbg]bob]nZemkZglihkm' ^Z\almZ`^h_]^lb`g%bgZ[b]mh [^lmbgm^kgZmbhgZeikZ\mb\^l%pbma bg\en]bg`*0)]hn[e^&]^\d[nl^l% laZee[^ikhob]^]pbmaZ]hhkmh]hhk What is the budget allocated by Zo^kmZgrihm^gmbZe_Znemlpab\a iZkmb\neZk^fiaZlblhg]kbobg` ,))mkZbe^k[nl^l%Zg]0)hk]bgZkr ]^ebo^krl^kob\^%Zg]lmn]^gmllaZee What are your future plans for the the RTA for implementing the fZrZ__^\mma^lZ_^mrh_khZ]nl^kl' ldbeel%bgZ[b]mh\k^Zm^Zlmkhg` [nl^l%bgZ]]bmbhgmh,)[nl^l_hkma^ [^ib\d^]ni_khfma^bkahf^lmh construction of roads and bridges? roads’ projects up until 2020? Ma^ikh\^llblfZ]^[r l^gl^h_k^lihglb[bebmrmhpZk]l Zbkihkmkhnm^Zg].)f^]bnf&lbs^] l\ahhepabe^ikhob]^]pbmaZeema^ Ma^KM:aZlfZgr_nmnk^ Ma^\hlmh_khZ]lÊikhc^\mlmh[^ Z]]n\bg`^fibkb\Ze^ob]^g\^_khf ma^bkhpglZ_^mrZg]maZmh_ [nl^l'Bmblphkmaf^gmbhgbg`maZm g^\^llZkrZf^gbmb^l%\hf_hkm ikhc^\mlbgma^ibi^ebg^%Zbfbg` \Zkkb^]hnm[rma^KM:nimh+)+) bgm^kgZmbhgZeerk^inm^]^qi^kml% hma^kl'Ma^g^plrlm^fpbeeZelh *.)hk]bgZkr[nl^lpbee[^lniieb^] Zg]lZ_^mr' Zmma^bfikho^f^gmh_ma^khZ]lÊ pbee[^:>=-.[beebhg' ihhebg`bg_hkfZmbhgh_mkZ__b\ \hg\^gmkZm^hg^lmZ[eblabg`lmkhg` ]nkbg`ma^i^kbh]_khf=^\^f[^k Bghk]^kmhikhob]^ln\ajnZebmr g^mphkdbgma^>fbkZm^h_=n[Zb% Z\\b]^gmlZg]Z]]k^llbg`ma^ \hhk]bgZmbhgpbmama^=n[Zb +))0ngmbeCng^+))1%Zg]Z l^kob\^l%ma^KM:aZlng]^kmZd^g bg\en]bg`Zfhg`hma^kmabg`l%ma^ What about the efforts deployed bfihkmZgmmkZ__b\blln^lpab\a Iheb\^'P^pbeephkdmh`^ma^k _nkma^k[Zm\ah_,))mkZbe^k[nl^l ma^mkZbgbg`h_l\ahhe[nl]kbo^kl \hglmkn\mbhgh_g^pkhZ]lh_fhk^ by the RTA for the development of ^gmZbeikhi^kZmm^gmbhgZg] bgni]Zmbg`eZplZg]bgmkh]n\bg` pbee[^]^ebo^k^]_khfCng^+))1 pbmaZkZma^k]b__^k^gmmkZbgbg` maZg.))dfe^g`maZg]2kbg`khZ]l electronic services? ]n^]beb`^g\^' g^pi^gZemrf^Zlnk^lbghk]^k mh:n`nlm+))1':[Zm\ah_*0) f^mah]heh`r_khfmaZmnl^] Zkhng]ma^Zk^Zl[hmme^g^\d^]pbma Ma^KM:blbgma^ikh\^llh_eZrbg` Ma^ikh\^]nk^lbg\en]^%Zfhg` mh\k^Zm^Zihlbmbo^[^aZobhnkZe ]hn[e^&]^\d[nl^lZk^l^mmh[^ _hkin[eb\[nl]kbo^kl'=kbo^kl bgaZ[bmZgmlZg]mkZ__b\\hg`^lmbhg' ]hpgZ\hfik^a^glbo^lmkZm^`r hma^kmabg`l%ma^\hglmkn\mbhg \aZg`^bgma^i^klhgZebmrh_ ]^ebo^k^]bgL^im^f[^k+))0Zg] Zk^^oZenZm^]ln[c^\mmhma^ Fhk^ho^k%ma^^qblmbg`*2khnm^l _hklab_mbg`bgmh^&`ho^kgf^gm' h_i^]^lmkbZg[kb]`^l%k^iZbkbg` ]Zg`^khnl]kbo^kl'

20 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 21 METRO UPDATE

Stadium Al Qiyadah Pal Deira Al Ras Abu Hail Abu Bakr Baniyas Square Seddiqi Al Nahda PURPLE LINE TO Al Ghubaiba Salahuddin

Union Square PROVIDE EXPRESS LINK (Transfer Station Al Rigga Saeediya Underground) Airport TO BOTH DUBAI & City Centre Free Zone Burjuman (Transfer Station Underground) AIRPORTS Oud Metha Al Qusais-1 Healthcare City Al Karama Jaddaf-1 Al Garhoud Al Qusais-2 Al Jaffiliya Jaddaf-2

Airport Trade Centre Terminal-1

Emirates Towers Airport Terminal-3 Financial Centre Station PASSENGER FACILITIES Burj Dubai Emirates Passengers will be able to bring in their personal effects, check-in (Headquaters) and obtain boarding passes through the airline counters in the three designated Metro stations. This follows the growing trend for one-stop Business Bay Rashidiya ‘Single Bond’ transport - a business advantage at which Dubai excels. In fact,

Al Quoz the planned Dubai Logistics City (by Jebel Ali International Airport) will be the largest single-bond hub in the world. Passengers will be able to proceed directly to the airports. Parking spaces will be provided for private cars and buses at each station. Al Barsha

TECOM Station

Nakheel

Marina Station Jumeirah Lake Towers

Jumeirah Islands Following the directives of Authority, and Stuart Wallace, would pass through Dubai comprising carriages for luggage HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Managing Director of Parsons Festival City, Al Jaddaf area, and belongings. Each carriage Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Brinckerhoff Middle East. Business Bay and will run will measure around 3.2 metres President and Prime along Al Khail Road serving in width and about 3.8 metres in Minister of the UAE and PURPLE LINE: SOME vital key projects height with a seating capacity of Station Dubal Ruler of Dubai, and HH Sheikh KEY FEATURES extending in the area. about 50 passengers. Separate Hamdan bin Mohammed Al The total length of the line The trip between the two carriages will be allocated for Jebel Ali Maktoum, President of the is 49 kms. It will be a direct airports would take about 40 ladies and children. The Metro Industrial Area Executive Council of Dubai, express link between Dubai minutes, including stopping on the Purple Line will have Jebel Ali the RTA has signed an agreement International Airport and Jebel time at the stations. automated operations with Free Zone Station with international consultants Ali International Airport. The Purple Line will also be driverless trains providing a safe Parsons Brinckerhoff to carry Average operational speed linked to the at the Dubai service environment. The line out consultancy services is over 100kms per hour, with International Airport Station. will introduce state-of-the-art Station including the initial designs of a maximum speed between Scheduled to be completed rail technology with the Dubai Metro’s Purple Line 135km-160km per hour. in 45 months effective from air-conditioning in stations and at a cost estimated at AED 10 There are 8 passenger March 2009; the Line will be metro carriages. The Metro Jebel Ali million. The agreement was stations, three of which would in service in December 2012. stations will be designed in an International Airport signed on behalf of the RTA by include check-in facilities innovative and outstanding H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman at the two airports. STEP INSIDE: architectural style and will be of the Board and Executive Starting from Dubai The Metro is expected to fitted with the latest safety Director of Roads & Transport International Airport the route consist of up to 9 carriages and security aspects.

22 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 23 OLD TRANSPORT

“Nine million passenger Alive and well journeys in THE ABRA MAY HAVE BEEN SURPASSED IN TERMS OF KUDOS, SPEED AND the last four REFINEMENT, BUT ITS BOOMING POPULARITY LOOKS SET TO ENSURE THAT IT’S months” ONE TRADITION WITH A VERY HEALTHY FUTURE

phfhgmalZ`h%=n[Zbg^pliZi^kl\Zkkb^]Z k^fZkdZ[e^lmhkr'Bm\hg\^kg^]ZiZkmb\neZkmri^ h_mkZglihkmmaZmaZ][^^gk^lihglb[e^_hkgh e^llmaZg2fbeebhgiZll^g`^kchnkg^rlbgma^ MeZlm_hnkfhgmal'PaZmpZlma^Zkmb\e^mZedbg`Z[hnm8

24 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02| 25 OLD TRANSPORT

^glnk^maZmlmhi&h__ihbgmlebd^;ZlmZdbrZZg];ZgbrZl KhZ]Zk^fhk^ihineZkmaZg^o^k' “The abra has Ma^bkhgrblmaZm%hgerZ_^pr^ZklZ`h%ing]bml ik^]b\m^]maZm=n[ZbÊl^\hghfb\[hhfphne]e^Z]mh ma^]^fbl^h_ma^Z[kZ%ZlZk^lnemh_\aZg`bg`eb_^lmre^l% proved it’s ab`a^kbg\hf^lZg]g^p]^lmbgZmbhgl'Ma^r_hk`hmZ lbfie^_Z\m3maZmma^[nk`^hgbg`^\hghfrphne][kbg` m^glh_mahnlZg]lh_phkd^kl_hkpahf\a^Zi%k^ebZ[e^ able to survive mkZo^epZlobmZe'Lhmh]Zr%pabe^;FPlZg]F^k\^]^l mang]^kZehg`=n[ZbÊllni^kab`apZrl%ang]k^]lh_Z[kZ a few changes chnkg^rl\hgmbgn^mhmZd^ieZ\^]Zrbg%]Zrhnm% Zefhlmngghmb\^]¾ and is still 10 minutes of tradition Ma^chnkg^rZ\khllma^

26 | issue 02| www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 27 FOCUS ON HISTORY

years of 100 service OUR REGULAR FEATURE ON TRANSPORT HISTORY LOOKS AT ONE OF INDIA’S MOST SUCCESSFUL RAILWAYS. IT’S AMONGST THE OLDEST IN THE WORLD.

atheran has always been a favourite It is also one of the rare places in the world ‘hill-station’ for Mumbaites and (besides Venice), where vehicles are not thanks to its proximity to the allowed access, making it an environment-friendly city, it is very popular. Accessible zone. The only way to experience its beauty is Mby road (only until Neral) or rail, it is just by hopping on its 100-year old Toy Train that 110kms from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Pune connects Neral (an interchange station on the

rail route. Central Railway) to Matheran. : DINODIA PHOTO

28 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 29 PANORAMA POINT FOCUS ON HISTORY

SIMPSON TANK

MOUNT BARRY

RAILWAY STATION

MATHERAN TRAIN MAP

Left: Beside the Toy Train, Matheran is also famous From Left to right: A view of the Matheran Light Railway for its monkey population, both the red-faced and History In time, the steam locomotives route; The Toy Train chugging through sharp curves along unbelievable curves and the first sharp curve the black-faced breeds. the route; Engine No 741 plinthed at Matheran Railway Right: The original Orenstein & Koppel engine - Matheran, which means “the wooded were replaced by diesel engines. With a Staion; The ‘One Kiss Tunnel’ on the Matheran Railway is marked by a large notice which says ...’Oops! Pride of Matheran. head” or jungle topped, was discovered speed limited to 20 kmph (but on sharp route; Present day diesel locomotives used by the Central What a curve - 45 feet radius’. Railway on the Neral-Matheran route. in May 1850, by Hugh Poyntz Malet, curves the speed is restricted to 8 kmph), The train meanders through the hills, District Collector of Thane. It was later the train zigzags along age-old tracks, offering breathtaking views and passing developed as a hill station, by Lord up and down the hillside, bringing into through ‘One Kiss Tunnel’, a reference to Elphinstone, Governor of Mumbai, who view the full beauty of Matheran. The toy how short it is! Finally terminating its laid the foundations for it in 1855. Located train with four coaches can accommodate journey at Matheran Bazaar. 800m above sea level, it is a mountainous about 100 passengers per trip, with four plateau in the Sahyadri range, covered daylight services running daily, except Commemoration with dense forest, undulating hills and for the monsoons (due to fear of landslides). The Matheran Light Railway Toy Train provided a quick getaway for the British The MLR can be divided into three recently celebrated its centenary on officers and their families to escape the sections: the first section, about 5.57 kms April 15, 2007, with a history dating heat of Mumbai. However, the only long from Neral to Jumapatti (elevation back to the British Raj. One of the five means of transport then, from Neral 241.81 metres), the second section is about remaining light rails in India, the tracks to Matheran were either horse driven 11.57 kms long from Jumapatti to Aman Lodge for the Matheran Light Rail were washed vehicles or pony back. A frequent (elevation 758.95 metres) and the third section away and damaged during the July 2005 visitor to Matheran, Abdul Hussein about 2.83 kms long, from Aman Lodge floods. It cost the Central Railways no Peerbhoy, son of the business tycoon, (Km. 17.14) to the end of the line, i.e. less than three crores to restore the Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy, thought of linking Matheran station. heritage tracks of this 100-year old railway. Neral to Matheran by a railway, and it A remarkable feat of engineering, Also, the first engine that actually was his foresight that led to the beginning the MLT is built on treacherous slopes; operated on the tracks is now housed of the Matheran Light Railway (MLR). and has 121 bridges, 221 curves and at the National Rail Museum in Delhi, Construction on the MLR started one tunnel. the second (Engine No 740) at Leighton in 1904 with a princely sum of Rs16 Buzzard Preserved Railway in the UK lakhs (today worth AED143,800), solely The Route and the third (Engine No 741) is plinthed funded by Abdul Hussein. It was built with the Chugging through the hills, the journey at Matheran. Also of special heritage help of local labourers, though occasionally on the Toy Train takes only 90 minutes. significance is the Matheran rest house, help was sought from ‘Pioneer regiments’. Starting from Neral, the route runs “Chugging the railway station and the turnaround- With three imported steam locomotives through Neral, Hardal Hill, Jumapatti shed at Matheran. manufactured by Orenstein & Koppel Station, Bhekra Station, Mount Barry, through With its 100-year-old track record, in Germany, the railway was inaugurated Panorama Point, Simpson Point and the Matheran Light Railway is one of and opened to traffic on March 22, 1907. finally ends at Matheran Bazaar. The the best-preserved heritage railways in narrow 2-feet gauge line runs parallel the hills, India. The Railways have made an The Matheran Light Railway (MLR) to the main broad gauge line leaving the application to UNESCO to declare the The MLR is a 20km (12.5 miles) long road to the west of Hardal Hill. The ascent the journey MLR as a World Heritage site in view narrow gauge line, with a ruling gradient commences soon after Hardar Hills where of its special importance in the history of 1:20. The toy train was originally run the rail alignment and the roadway meet of railways. by a B class 0-6-0T steam locomotive, near Jumapatti and meet again after a takes only If this status is granted, Matheran weighing 18 tons, with a rare Kleiner-Lindex brief separation at just beyond the steep slope will have another feature in common radial axle and having Walschaerts Valve gears. of Bhekra Khud. The route is noted for its 90 minutes” with Venice...

30 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 31 TECHNOLOGY A close-up on SALIK THE NEW SALIK SYSTEM, HOW IT WORKS AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR DUBAI’S MOTORISTS :eefhmhkblml]kbobg`hgLa^bdaSZr^]KhZ]Zg]:e ik^&iZb]\Zk]l\Zg[^k^\aZk`^]bgi^klhghk[r @Zkahn];kb]`^ghpaZo^mhiZrZkhZ]mhee%pbmaZ \k^]bm\Zk]'Ma^KM:aZlZelhlb`g^]Z]^Zepbma Zebd%f^Zgbg`hi^ghk\e^Zk%bl=n[ZbÊl _^p^q\^imbhglln\aZl`ho^kgf^gmo^ab\e^l%iheb\^% >fbkZm^l;ZgdZg]=n[ZbBleZfb\;Zgdmh g^p^e^\mkhgb\mhee\hee^\mbhglrlm^f'Ghp Zf[neZg\^%fbebmZkro^ab\e^lZg]ma^^]n\Zmbhgl^\mhk' Zeehp\nlmhf^klmhink\aZl^ma^LZebd=-aZl[^^ge^ob^]i^k^gmkr%pbmaZ mZ`l%Zg]k^\aZk`^ma^bk\Zk]l(mZ`lmakhn`a f^Zlnk^lmh\nk[mkZ__b\\hg`^lmbhg%k^]n\^ fZqbfnf\^bebg`h_:>=+-i^k]Zri^k\Zk\aZk`^_hk ma^bkZnmhfZm^]m^ee^kfZ\abg^l'BmaZlZelh ma^]^i^g]^g\^hgikboZm^o^ab\e^lZg]^g\hnkZ`^nl^S fhmhkblmlnlbg`ma^mheekhZ]l'fZkZm%_hkma^lZe^Zg] h_ma^in[eb\mkZglihkmlrlm^f'Ma^mheelrlm^fZelh bglmZee^]mphmheebg`ihbgmlZm:e@Zkahn];kb]`^Zg] ]blmkb[nmbhgh_LZebd\Zk]l'Ma^LZebdlmZkm^kdbm _ne_beelma^=n[ZbLmkZm^`b\IeZg+))0&+)*.%ngo^be^][r ZmLa^bdaSZr^]KhZ]!g^ZkFZeeh_ma^>fbkZm^l"' pbee[^hglZe^_hk:>=*))Zg]pbee\hfikbl^ A'A'La^bdaFhaZff^][bgKZlab]:eFZdmhnf%Ob\^ ZmZ`Zehg`pbmabglmZeeZmbhgfZgnZe' Ik^lb]^gmZg]Ikbf^Fbgblm^kh_ma^N:>Zg]Kne^kh_ The Salik Technology Ma^KM:bl\hg_b]^gmmaZmma^g^plrlm^f =n[Zb%pab\almbineZm^lmaZmma^KM:pbeeikhob]^Zg LZebdbl]^lb`g^]pbmama^eZm^lmK?B=m^\agheh`r pbeea^eimh^Zl^ma^_ehph_mkZ__b\%fbgbfbl^ bgm^`kZm^]khZ]Zg]mkZglihkmlrlm^fmaZmpbee_Z\bebmZm^ !KZ]bh?k^jn^g\rB]^gmb_b\Zmbhg"%mhZ\ab^o^ mkZ__b\[hmme^g^\dlZg]^g\hnkZ`^fhmhkblmlmh i^hie^Zg]`hh]lfho^f^gmpbmalZ_^mrZlbmlikbhkbmr' _k^^_ehphi^kZmbhgZg]Zeehpbg`lfhhmafh[bebmr nl^Zem^kgZm^khnm^l':elhma^k^o^gn^\hee^\m^] h_o^ab\e^lmakhn`amheebg`ihbgml'BmZelh^kZ]b\Zm^l [rma^mheelpbee[^nl^]mhbfikho^ma^ ma^g^^]_hkmhee[hhmalZg]mhee\hee^\mhkl%ma^k^[r bg_kZlmkn\mnk^h_=n[Zb' ^glnkbg`lfhhmaab`a&li^^]_ehph_o^ab\e^l' A'>'FZmmZk:eMZr^k%Hh_KM:% ^qieZbg^]maZmma^>e^\mkhgb\Mheebg`Lrlm^f phkdl[rf^Zglh_ma^o^kreZm^lmm^\agheh`r'Ma^ >&@Zm^lZk^_bmm^]pbmak^fhm^l^glbg`^jnbif^gm maZm\Zg]^]n\mma^ik^l\kb[^]mZkb___khfma^ o^ab\e^hpg^kÊlZ\\hngm[rf^Zglh_ZmZ`_bmm^] hgmhma^_khgmpbg]l\k^^gh_ma^o^ab\e^'Ma^mZ` hi^kZm^lpbmahnmZ[Zmm^krhkfhobg`iZkmlZg] phkdlbgZeep^Zma^k\hg]bmbhglZg]li^^]l% ikhob]bg`ab`aerZ\\nkZm^Zg]k^ebZ[e^b]^gmb_b\Zmbhg h_ma^o^ab\e^'Ma^mZ`\Zgghm[^k^fho^]_khfma^ pbg]lab^e]pbmahnm]ZfZ`bg`bm'A^Zelhp^gmhg mhlZrmaZmma^>&@Zm^lZk^_bmm^]pbma^e^\mkhgb\ \Zf^kZlmaZm\hne]]^m^\mZo^ab\e^iZllbg` pbmahnmZmZ`hkpbmabgln__b\b^gm_ng]lbgma^ nl^kÊlZ\\hngm'Ma^\Zf^kZllmZmbhg^]hgma^l^ >&`Zm^l\hne]\Zimnk^ib\mnk^lh_ma^gnf[^kieZm^ h_ma^o^ab\e^ma^k^[rk^lnembg`bgi^gZemr_bg^l iZrZ[e^[rma^Z\\hngmahe]^k(fhmhkblm'Ma^ KM:aZlZelhnk`^]fhmhkblmlmhk^fho^ma^mbgml _khfma^Zk^Zh_ma^mZ`%Zlma^l\Zgg^klZk^ ngZ[e^mhk^Z]ma^f'Ma^KM:aZlZelhZiihbgm^] :L=::%ma^IK_bkfmhho^kl^^ma^LZebdin[eb\ ZpZk^g^ll\ZfiZb`g' Fhmhkblml\Zgeh`hgmhppp'lZebd'Z^hk\Zeeni KM:Êlmkbebg`nZeLZebd\Zee\^gmk^hgLZebd!1))&0+.-." _hkfhk^bg_hkfZmbhgh_ma^lrlm^f%bmlhi^kZmbhgl% [^g^_bmlZg]^o^gmh\a^\dma^bkZ\\hngml'LZebd

32 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 33 TECHNOLOGY PHOTO: CORBIS CORBIS PHOTO:

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID)

The RFID is an automatic is an object that can be as an alternative to he bar code W Cardullo was the first true identification method relying stuck to a product (vehicle, system and does not require ancestor; he claim to have on storing and remotely animal, person) for the direct contact or line-of-sight received the first U.S. patent retrieving data using devices purpose of identification scanning. The technology used for an active RFID transponder called RFID tags or using radio waves. RFID is in RFID has been around since with rewritable memory transponders. A RIFD tag increasingly used in industry World War II, however Mario on January 23, 1973.

SALIK IN DUBAI: BUT DO YOU KNOW THE VARIOUS TOLL PASSES ACROSS THE WORLD?

EUROPE TollTrax Toll and Metro I-Pass in Illinois Portugal: Via Verde is the first Electronic Toll Collection Pikepass in Oklahoma system in the world to span the in India E-ZPass and Fast Lane entire network of tolls. ETC in Japan in Massachusetts Autopass in Norway HyPass in Pakistan C-Pass, SunPass, LeeWay Liber-T system in France ETCS in South Korea and O-PASS in Florida Telepass in Italy ETC in Taiwan EZ Tag in Houston Videomaut in Austria Autotoll in Hong Kong K-Tag in Kansas LKW-MAUT in Germany EXpress in Colorado, USA Eazy Pass in Ireland MIDDLE EAST IN-Tranist Road Pass in Indiana Dart-Tag, Fast Tag, M6 Toll OGS in Turkey MnPass in Minnesota tag, Severn Tag and London Good To Go! In Washington Congestion Charge in the UK AUSTRALIA PalmettoPass in South Carolina BroBizz in Denmark & Sweden E-Toll in Australia Smart Tag in Virginia VIA-T or Telepeaje in Spain TollTag, EZ TAG and TxTag USA, CANADA, MEXICO in Texas ASIA AutoExpreso in Puerto Rico, USA Sem Parar/Via Facil, Onda Livre ERP in Singapore PayPass by Mastercard used and Passe Expresso in Brazil, SA Touch ‘n and Smart TAG on New York city subway Autopista in Chile in Malaysia Cruise Card in Atlanta, Georgia ETR and MacPass in Canada E-Pass and EC Tag in Phillipines FasTrak in California IAVE in Mexico

34 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae DESTINATIONS

DUBAI’S HERITAGE & DIVING VILLAGE Hg^h_ma^fhlmie^Zlbg`_^Zmnk^lZ[hnmma^ GIVES A SNAPSHOT OF LIFE ObeeZ`^blmaZm%_khfma^fhf^gmrhn^gm^k%bm_^^el Znma^gmb\3ma^k^Zk^ghm^\agheh`r`bffb\dl%cnlm FROM THE ‘OLD DUBAI’- lheb]fn]&[nbem%h\ak^&\hehnk^]pZeel%e^Z]bg`bgmh\hhe GIVING VISITORS A POWERFUL ]Zkdbgm^kbhkl[^Znmb_neerZg]iZbglmZdbg`erk^\k^Zm^]' FLAVOUR OF A FORGOTTEN CULTURE… Ahpblma^ObeeZ`^Z[e^mh[nbe]niln\aZgZ\\nkZm^ ablmhkb\ib\mnk^8>Zlr3bmbl[nbemg^qmmhhg^h_ma^he]^lm Zk\aZ^heh`b\Zelbm^lbg=n[Zb4Zlbm^kb\apbmaZkm^_Z\ml Zg]nm^glbel%Zg]_^Zmnkbg`Zg\b^gm[Zdbg`a^Zkmal%ho^gl Zg]ah[l&ghmmhf^gmbhgma^k^fZbglh_he]ebobg` a^k^blZdbg]h_nk[ZgfrmamaZm%ikbhkmhma^ khhfl%k^ie^m^pbma[Zld^mkrphkdZg]\Zk^_neer&pho^g li^\mZ\neZk^\hghfb\^qiehlbhgh_ma^eZlm kn`l'Bmbl^lmbfZm^]maZmmabllbm^pZlh\\nib^]_khf mp^gmrr^Zkl%=n[Zb!Zg]fn\ah_ma^ ZiikhqbfZm^erma^*lmfbee^ggbnf;<>%Zg]ma^obob] eZg]lghp_hkfbg`iZkmh_ma^N:>"aZ] ib\mnk^bmaZle^_m_hkflma^_hng]Zmbhg_hkma^k^fZkdZ[e^ l^^gebmme^bgma^pZrh_]^o^ehif^gm%Zg]maZmma^T k^\hglmkn\mbhglg^Zk[r' Z]oZg\^lfZ]^[rik^obhnl^kZlaZ]e^_mebmme^fZkd ?khfma^_bklm_^pfhf^gmlh_ma^oblbm%bmblh[obhnl hgma^eh\Ze\nemnk^Zg]mkZ]bmbhgl'Ma^_Z\mbl%_hk maZm_Zfbereb_^pZlm^kkb_b\ZeerbfihkmZgm_hkhnk \^gmnkb^l=n[ZbaZl[^^gZgZmnkZe\khllkhZ]l_hk Zg\^lmhkl3`Zma^kbg`mh`^ma^kZkhng]ma^\hhdbg` mkZ]^!l^^ma^eZlmblln^h_KM:fZ`Zsbg^"Zg]bg Zk^ZlZg]laZkbg`nge^Zo^g^][k^Z]_hklnii^k \^kmZbg]blmkb\ml%aZ]p^ee&lnk_Z\^]khZ]lZlehg`Z`h !Z\\hfiZgb^][r]Zm^lZg]_knbm%bmphne]l^^f" Zlma^^Zker\^gmnkb^l;<>' pZlZ[Zlb\pZrh_eb_^'Ma^k^blZelh^ob]^g\^h_ P^lmbeea^Zko^krebmme^%mahn`a%Z[hnmpaZmeb_^ Z]oZg\^]m^\agheh`b^l3`eZllfZgn_Z\mnk^%_hk The time machine

fnlmaZo^[^^gebd^bgZg\b^gm=n[Zb'PaZmp^k^ ^qZfie^!`eZllpZlbgo^gm^]Zg]_bklmnl^]bgZg\b^gm ma^ahnl^lebd^8P^k^ma^mhpglabilZg]\hffngbmb^l8 >`rim%bgma^Fb]]e^Dbg`]hf%Ziikhq'*0.);<>"% Ahp]b]i^hie^ebo^%Zg]paZmdbg]h_Zf^gbmb^l Zg]ihmm^krmakhpghgZpa^^e%Zlhiihl^]mh[^bg` ]b]ma^r^gchr8Hg^ieZ\^h__^klZeema^Zglp^kl3 lbfierfh]^ee^][raZg]'Ghm^Zlp^eema^ma^=n[Zb ma^=n[ZbA^kbmZ`^ =bobg`ObeeZ`^' A^kbmZ`^ =bobg`ObeeZ`^k^\k^Zm^lma^_^^eh_Zpahe^ \hffngbmr%ghmcnlmZahnl^hkmph%lhma^k^blZ`hh] An unexpected treasure ]^Zemhl^^Zg]^qiehk^' Ma^l^mmbg`bl%i^kaZil%Zgngebd^erhg^'Ma^Zk^Z Z]cZ\^gmmhma^p^lmlb]^h_ma^Labg]Z`aZMngg^e Seeing crafts in close-up !ma^^qik^llpZrebgdbg`;nk=n[ZbZg]=^bkZ"bl ;^lnk^ghmmhfbllma^]blieZr%[rfh]^kgZkmblZgl% ]hfbgZm^][rma^IhkmKZlab]]h\deZg]l';nma^k^% h_ma^fhlmihineZkmkZ]bmbhgZe\kZ_ml3[Zld^mkr% g^Zkma^fhnmah_ma^`rim I^Zke]bo^klphkd^]_khfZlabi\Zkkrbg`nimh/) traditional FbgZ!b_rhnZk^mkZo^eebg`_khfma^p^lm"hk_khf  hkF^lhihmZfbZ' i^hie^%[nmfhk^\hffhger%ma^k^phne][^m^Zflh_*) crafts, DaZeb];bg:ePZe^^]KhZ]b_Zkkbobg`_khfma^ Bg_Z\m%ma^ObeeZ`^bliZkmh_Zfn\aeZk`^kieZgmh Ma^k^blZghma^k]bf^glbhgmhma^ObeeZ`^maZmrhn ]bo^klpbma.hk/[Z\d&niikh_^llbhgZelbgZ]]bmbhgmh including lhnma!lbfiermZd^ma^l^\hg]kb`amZmma^:e mkZgl_hkfma^pahe^h_ma^Labg]Z`aZk^`bhgbgmhZ Z[lhenm^erfnlmghm%lahne]ghm%fbll3ma^=bobg` ma^[hZmÊl\k^p'Ma^k^phne]ZepZrl[^Zm^Zf\ZimZbg Labg]Z`aZcng\mbhg"' \nemnkZeZk^Z%_^Zmnkbg`ZoZkb^mrh_ablmhkb\ZeZmmkZ\mbhgl' ObeeZ`^'MablblZahfZ`^mhZg\b^gmi^Zke]bobg`%hg^ !GhdaZsZ"%pahphne]h_m^g[^ZlmZm^^fiehr^^'P^Zelh basketry and O^kr]b__^k^gm_khfma^fhk^nlnZe=n[Zb^qi^kb^g\^% MablblZelhpa^k^rhnpbee_bg]La^bdaLZ^^]Ze h_=n[ZbÊlhe]^lm&b_ghmma^he]^lm&bg]nlmkr%]Zmbg` dghpmaZmma^>fbkZm^h_=n[Zbhg\^hpg^]ghe^llmaZg metalwork” mablk^Zeerblma^\ehl^lmrhn\Zg`^mmhmbf^mkZo^e'Lh`^m FZdmhnfÊlahnl^%_hk^qZfie^' [Z\d/&0%)))r^Zkl' ,,.i^Zke_blabg`]ahpl' hg[hZk]&ghiZllihkmk^jnbk^]'''

36 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 37 SNAPSHOT It’s all about effective planning

AN AT-A-GLANCE BRIEFING ON KEY MEASURES TO INTEGRATE OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

fikhobg`ma^In[eb\MkZglihkmG^mphkd Ma^\nkk^gmin[eb\mkZglihkmg^mphkdl_heehp blZlb`gb_b\Zgm\aZee^g`^mhma^ Z]bli^kl^]iZmm^kg%\aZkZ\m^kbs^][rehp&\ZiZ\bmr% ^__^\mbo^g^llZg]^__b\b^g\rh_hnk ehp&_k^jn^g\rkhnm^l'R^m%p^phne]ebd^mh \hk^hi^kZmbhgl3KhZ]lZg]MkZ__b\% ab`aeb`amma^_Z\mmaZmma^In[eb\MkZglihkm IIn[eb\MkZglihkm%MkZfZg]KZbe%FZkbg^ :`^g\rblphkdbg`^Z`^kerhg\k^Zmbg`Zg] Zg]MZqbl^kob\^l'Bmk^Zeerab`aeb`amlma^ Z\ab^obg`lb`gb_b\Zgmbfikho^f^gml'Ma^l^ ^__b\b^g\rh_ma^mkZglihkmZmbhglrlm^fZg] phne][^k^Zebl^]makhn`ama^ikhoblbhgh_Z ma^pZrmaZmma^KM:blZ[e^mhk^lihg]mh kZmbhgZebs^]Zg]\hglheb]Zm^]in[eb\ \aZee^g`^lZg]mkZgleZm^ma^fbgmhlmkZm^`b\ mkZglihkmg^mphkd%pbmabgZ\hgmbgnhnler k^Zebmb^lFhk^ho^k%Zg^__^\mbo^mkZglihkm ]^o^ehibg`khZ]lbg_kZlmkn\mnk^' lrlm^fmaZmngb_b^lZeema^oZkbhnlKM: Ma^KM:bl\nkk^gmer^oZenZmbg`ma^ hi^kZmbhglphne][^Z\ZmZerlm_hkfhk^ bfikho^f^gmlZllh\bZm^]pbma\aZg`^lbg ^__^\mbo^nk[Zg]^o^ehif^gm%Zg]Zk^Ze ma^khnm^g^mphkdlmkn\mnk^%Zg]ng]^kmZdbg` linkmhfhobg`Za^Z]ZmZk^`bhgZee^o^e' ]^mZbe^]ieZggbg`Zg]bfie^f^gmZmbhg_hk ]^o^ehibg`himbfnfg^mphkdl'Mablphne] Integrating public transport inmma^KM:bgZe^Z]bg`ihlbmbhg%bgaZobg` :elh%ZfZchkk^ob^ph_KM:Hi^kZmbhgl hg^h_ma^[^lmikhmhmri^KhZ]lZg] Zg]ma^lmkn\mnk^h_In[eb\MkZglihkmg^mphkdlbl MkZglihkmfh]^el' mZdbg`ieZ\^ZlZikbhkbmr'Ma^In[eb\MkZglihkm Bg\ahhlbg`nl%hnk\nlmhf^klphne]k^Zeer :`^g\rbl\nkk^gmer_h\nlbg`hgma^\hf[bgZmbhg [^Z[e^mhbg]ne`^ma^fl^eo^l%bgma^dghpe^]`^ h_ehp&]^glbmr%^qiZglbo^nk[ZgZk^Zlpa^k^ maZmma^rZk^\ahhlbg`ma^[^lmihllb[e^f^Zgl ma^k^blZeZ\dh_bgm^`kZmbhgbgin[eb\mkZglihkm h_mkZglihkm&pa^ma^kbm[^[nl%mkZf%kZbe% lrlm^fl'Mablf^ZglmaZmma^iZll^g`^k fZkbg^hkmZqb'Hg\^maZmaZii^gl%bmk^Zeer l^kob\^lZk^Zbfbg`mhh__^kZ\hlm&^__^\mbo^ phne]bg\k^Zl^in[eb\mkZglihkmnlZ`^% in[eb\mkZglihkmpab\abl\nkk^gmerghmhimbfZe% ]^\k^Zl^\ZknlZ`^Zg]bg\k^Zl^ma^\hlm bghk]^kmh`kZgm^__b\b^g\rZg]^__^\mbo^g^ll' k^\ho^krkZmbhl'

38 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 39 GLOBAL NEWS GLOBAL NEWS

HA NOI BUILDS ITS FIRST PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE £509M FACELIFT FOR VICTORIA STATION VIETNAM The Ha Noi Transport and Public Works Department have built its first pedestrian bridge at a cost of VND4.1 billion (US$ 260,000). Completed in June, the bridge will help citizens cross the Giai Phong and Le Thanh Nghi three-way crossroads.

FRENCH HIGH-SPEED TRAIN BREAKS WORLD RECORD

FRANCEA specially-modified French high-speed train broke the world rail speed record, traveling at 574.8km/hr on a section of new high-speed track The Superliner by Zhejiang mh[^Ô^qb[e^pa^g\hkg^kbg`' in eastern France. Built by Alstom, the Young Man Vehicle Group, double-decker trainset V150 comprises at Busworld Asia 2007, Bmlbgm^kbhklZk^]^lb`g^]_hk SHANGHAI LAUNCHES Shanghai iZll^g`^k\hgo^gb^g\^%pbma a series of rolling stock: 2 POS power cars, 3 standard Duplex cars and 2 AGV li^\bZe^fiaZlblhg\hgo^gb^g\^ bogies and is an enhanced version of _hkma^^e]^kerZg]iZll^g`^kl ‘WORLD’S LARGEST’ BUS the equipment that will run on the pbmali^\bZeg^^]l%pbma new TGV East line. It is estimated that CHINA Ma^Çphke]ÊleZk`^lmÈ[nl% nkhi^ZgNgbhge^Z]^klk^lheo^]mh f^^mma^`khpbg`[bh]b^l^e]^fZg]' Station and in 2009 and is and District line the Tube network. access between eh\Zein[eb\mkZglihkm[nl^lmhZg k^]n\^`k^^gahnl^`Zl^fbllbhgl BgbmbZeer%ma^g^e%Khf^ÊleZk`^lmnmbebmr Underground Underground to redevelopment of and provide a safe, between the Z`k^^g_n^efZ]^fZbger_khf ma^lniier\aZbg%bg\en]bg`ma^ ikhob]^k%phne]chbgma^ network is Victoria, ease congestion Victoria Station is reliable and Victoria Line and o^`^mZ[e^hbel'Ma^_n^epbee[^Zfbq `khpbg`h_hbel^^]\khil_khfpab\a ikhc^\m[rnlbg`[bhfZll closely followed at stations. London a great example accessible station, District and Circle \hgmZbgbg`+)i^k\^gm[bh]b^l^efZ]^ [bh]b^l^eblikh]n\^]'Ma^ikhc^\m ikh]n\^]_khfo^`^mZ[e^hbel by Oxford Circus, Underground has of the huge fit for the Lines platforms _khfo^`^mZ[e^hbefZgn_Z\mnk^] pbeelmZkmpbmaZg^qi^kbf^gmZenl^ mh_n^ebmlihp^kieZgml' both of which are appointed Mott investment being 21st century.” Improved the start or end MacDonald to be made to improve access and new points for over 80 lead consultant for the tube and The £509m Plan lifts between million passengers the detailed design transport across A new northern the National Rail each year. and construction the capital. The ticket hall at and Under- of the Victoria expansion is the junction of ground stations.

40 | issue 02| www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 41 GLOBAL NEWS GLOBAL NEWS

ÇMa^ikhc^\mbllmbeeng]^klmn]r Zg]bmlÓgZe]^lb`gblln[c^\m KARACHI’S BUS PLAN mhZiikhoZe%ÈlZb]PZg`Jbg`rng%Zg BRISBANE TRAFFIC h_Ó\bZebg\aZk`^h_mkZglihkmZmbhgZm GZmbhgZe=^o^ehif^gmZg]K^_hkf PAKISTAN The City District LIGHTS TO GO SMART qih' Ik^lb]^gmAhklmDh^ae^k\hg\en]^] The other two corridors will lights are controlled The BMTMC would and ride facilities House of Commons \hglmkn\mbg`ma^ab`a&li^^]fZ`g^mb\ :gh_Ó\bZepbmama^LaZg`aZb ablfZb]^glmZm^oblbmmh\hghfb\ Ma^Zbfh_ma^f^f[^k& _hk[^mm^k\hgg^\mbhgh_ Development Bank”, he added. <"[h]r \hngmkb^lblmh\hglmkn\mZ ma^;eZ\dL^Zihkmlmh SWISS TO DIG WORLD’S LONGEST RAIL TUNNEL He assured citizens that with bg;^e`kZ]^k^\^gmer' khZ]maZmphne]`nZkZgm^^ _Z\bebmZm^ebgdl[^mp^^gma^ the completion of the rapid bus Ma^fbgblm^kllb`g^]ma^ l^\nkbmr%li^^]Zg] ;eZ\dL^Z%F^]bm^kkZg^Zg SWITZERLAND The world’s be 57kms (35 miles) long. (1,650ft). The AlpTransit system network, they would ÇFhNhgma^<\hngmkb^lZelh Gotthard Base Tunnel working 24x7, 365 days a completed by 2014. On an elevated track would also be L^ZAb`apZrÈZlp^eeZlma^ lh\bZe]^o^ehif^gmbgma^ hk`Zgbl^]Z;eZ\dL^ZKbg` - is currently being built in year, it aims at being the completion it will allow trains used for the purpose. He also ÇFhNhgma^=^o^ehif^gm k^`bhg'Ma^\hlmh_ma^ikhc^\m Ab`apZr<k^`bhgÈ'Ma^ r^mmh[^^lmbfZm^]'Ma^ k^`bhg'Ma^Zbfh_ma^\ZkZoZg Zurich and Milan. To be built is that the entire railway travel time between Zurich to finalise the project with ;eZ\dL^ZKbg`pZr[rma^ l^\hg]f^fhkZg]nfbl pZlmh\hee^\moZenZ[e^]ZmZ at a cost of SFr10 billion, the line will stay at the same and Milan from four hours to thorough consultation. ;L><\hngmkb^lpbee\k^Zm^Z ]^lb`g^]mh\k^Zm^ma^ ^gkhnm^Zg]mh_Z\bebmZm^khZ] AlpTransit Gotthard route will altitude of 500 metres just two-and-a-half hours. fhmhkpZrkbg`h_0.))&df' g^\^llZkrbg_kZlmkn\mnk^ mkZglihkmbgma^k^`bhg'

42 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae www.rta.ae | issue 02 | 43 SPOTLIGHT

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

In a bid to ensure pedestrian safety, the RTA has drawn up a plan for upgrading pedestrian facilities on Dubai roads with a cost amounting to Dh 70 million. The plan will aim to provide safer and excellent crossing facilities and its implementation will reduce fatalities by 40 per cent. The RTA has also taken steps to identify at least 45 black spots prone to frequent pedestrian accidents. Additionally, it is also working on building pedestrian crossings across the city, has fenced some major roads to stop pedestrians crossing and is building new foot PEDESTRIAN SAFETY bridges to address this issue. The Dh70 million plan for UAE Ma^Phke]A^ZemaHk`ZgblZmbhg A'>FZmmZk:eMZr^k%q^\nmbo^=bk^\mhkh_ma^KM:% ● 17 new pedestrian bridges to [^\hf^ma^mabk]e^Z]bg`\Znl^h_]^Zmal lmZm^]maZmeZ\dh_cn]`f^gmhgma^iZkm be built `eh[Zeer[r+)+)':li^kk^ihkml%*'+ h_khZ]nl^kl%]kbobg`ng]^kma^bgÔn^g\^ ● 7 signalised pedestrian crossings fbeebhgi^hie^Zk^dbee^]^Z\ar^ZkZg] h_Ze\hahe%^gm^kbg`ma^khZ][^_hk^bmÊl ● 4 flat hump crossings Z[hnm.)fbeebhgZk^bgcnk^]bgkhZ] \e^Zk%^q\^llbo^li^^]bg`Zg]\khllbg` ● 26 roads will be fenced to protect Z\\b]^gml`eh[Zeer'Ma^fZchkbmrh_khZ] ma^khZ]Zmma^k^]lb`gZeZk^fZbg pedestrians from crossing \kZlaob\mbflZk^i^]^lmkbZgl!\hfikblbg` \hgmkb[nmbg`_Z\mhkl' ● 45 pedestrian crossings for /.i^k\^gm"Zg]g^Zker,.i^k\^gmh_ma^ Dubai Metro stations i^]^lmkbZg]^Zmalbgoheo^\abe]k^g' Dubai’s dangerous roads Bgma^N:>%ma^l^\hg]fZbg\Znl^h_ :li^kk^ihkml_khfma^KM:%kng&ho^k As per the Plan and the Dubai khZ]]^Zmalbl]n^mhkng&ho^kZ\\b]^gml' Z\\b]^gmlZ\\hngm^]_hk,1i^k\^gmh_ Metro project, the total number Ma^_ZmZebmb^lk^lnembg`[rmkZ_Ó\Z\\b]^gml mhmZe_ZmZeZ\\b]^gmlbg+))/' of pedestrian crossings will increase bg=n[ZbaZo^k^\hk]^]Zgbg\k^Zl^h_**'. Ma^ab`a^lmgnf[^kh__ZmZebmb^lpZl to 93 and that of pedestrian bridges i^k\^gmlbg\^CZgnZkr+))0\hfiZk^]mh k^ihkm^]hgLa^bdaSZr^]KhZ]pbma to 40 by 2009. It is estimated eZlmr^Zk' +,i^]^lmkbZg]^Zmal'>fbkZm^lKhZ] that this will reduce pedestrian >g`'FZbmaZFhaZffZ];bg:]Zb% _heehp^]pbma2%Cnf^bkZaKhZ]pbma, deaths by 26 per cent. <>Hh_MkZ_Ó\ KhZ]:`^g\rZmma^KM:% Zg]LhgZinkpbma+Zg]hma^kkhZ]lebd^ lZb]maZmma^bg\k^Zl^bgma^gnf[^kh_ :eBmmbaZ]Zg]:eDaZbekhZ]l\hgmkb[nmbg` The methodology used for the Z\\b]^gmlpZl]n^mhZ**i^k\^gmbg\k^Zl^ mhma^Ó`nk^l' plan is based on the pedestrian bgma^gnf[^kh_o^ab\e^lZg]]kbo^klbg accident concentrations, the traffic \hfiZkblhgmheZlmr^Zk'La^_nkma^kZ]]^] PEDESTRIAN DEATHS ON DUBAI ROADS volume, traffic speed, number of maZmkng&ho^kZ\\b]^gmlmhii^]ma^eblm_hk YEAR DEATHS TOTAL ACCIDENTS pedestrians crossing the road, the Z\\b]^gmlbgCZg+))0bg=n[Zb%pa^k^.1 2003 69 432 number of lanes and the land used. i^hie^p^k^bgcnk^]bgmhmZek^lnembg`bg 2004 83 508 2]^Zmal'Bmlahne][^ghm^]maZmkng&ho^k 2005 100 531 According to Engr. Maitha, the Z\\b]^gml\hfikbl^,)mh-)i^k\^gmh_ 2006 119 603 plan will deliver RTA’s vision to mhmZe]^Zmalhg=n[ZbkhZ]lZggnZeer' Source: RTA provide ‘Safe and smooth transport for all’ and will lay the foundation for safe and efficient pedestrian movement in the DID YOU KNOW? Emirate. It will also encourage pedestrian mobility and reduce ● One of the first ever pedestrians to be killed was Henry Bliss, in the US. He was run over by the dependency on vehicles, an electric taxicab in 1899. thereby reducing pollution ● In the UK, the first pedestrian to die in a car collision was Bridget Driscoll, in 1896. and traffic congestion.

44 | issue 02 | www.rta.ae