Abu Dhabi has unveiled a public transport project to link areas within the Capital and connect them to other emirates and GCC countries. The project will be implemented in several phases. The cost of the first phase, which will start on Monday and last until 2010, is expected to be Dh700 million. This phase will service Abu Dhabi with 1,360 high calibre, handicap-accessible, world-class buses by the end of 2010.
The second phase of the project, which will link Abu Dhabi with other emirates and GCC countries, will be implemented within five years with the participation of national and foreign companies and it is due to be completed in 2013.
Saeed Al Hameli, general manager of bus office at the Department of Transport, told Emirates Business the project will be operated by private companies. National and international companies will run the project, with two national firms already winning a contract to operate the first phase.
He said the department will continually monitor companies and the number 800 555 55 has been dedicated to receive complaints from the public. "We cannot go back from privatising public transport in Abu Dhabi. The private sector is a prominent partner for us in this massive project. We bank on the private sector's ideal work circumstances to innovate." He said.
Al Hameli said the selection of companies is conducted through international and local tenders.
Abdullah Rashid Al Otaiba, Chairman of the department, said: "This programme aims to provide Abu Dhabi residents with the necessary public transport system and infrastructure in accordance with international standards. As the emirate's population is expected to increase to 1.5 million by 2010, the department is today sowing the seeds for a safe, sustainable, economically viable, efficient and lifestyle-enhancing transportation system, which shall be the preferred mode of transport for the people."
The project will be completed in phases starting June 30 with gradual deployment of 258 buses as a short-term solution, 125 of which are new and 133 are refurbished. This fleet will enter the service gradually to service heavy traffic routes to immediately enhance commuter comfort and convenience, improve frequency and scheduled services.
A further 100 new buses are due to enter service in the first quarter of 2009, with subsequent phases depending on demand. All future phases aim to increase city, suburban and inter-city capacity by 50 per cent by the end of next year.
The new buses will initially service four new routes, followed by six additional routes in August with the goal to operate on 21 high frequency routes by the beginning of 2009 covering most of Abu Dhabi Island.
"Today a new era in Abu Dhabi's public transportation history has dawned," said Al Hameli.
"This is the first step on the long road ahead, which will further fuel economic growth, contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, enhance lifestyles and establish a sustainable public transportation system for everybody in Abu Dhabi. The plan aims to realise the forward-looking and comprehensive vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and under the guidance of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. "By 2030, Abu Dhabi will be home to 3.5 million people and our aim is to develop a comprehensive public transportation network that will be appealing to all segments of society. Our biggest challenge today is to encourage car owners to utilise the new facilities and infrastructure once they come on line," said Al Hameli.
"It is going to be a gradual process but Abu Dhabi residents and tourists will start seeing the changes next week, when headway – the time commuters will have to wait for the bus – will be reduced," he said.
Upon completion of the project, Abu Dhabi will boast one of the world's most modern bus fleets adhering to stringent environmental standards.
The department is currently in discussions with major international vehicle manufacturers and a decision on the supplier of the state-of-the-art fleet is expected soon.
The department is also tendering the procurement and deployment of a sophisticated intelligent transport system that will power data banking and operation control centres to develop data and statistics to improve passenger information.
The project includes renovation of the existing 12 bus stations and the development of 25 new bus stations strategically peppered across the emirate in line with projected demand growth. Over the next five years, 37 bus stations will feature an array of retail, banking, food and beverage and other facilities designed to encourage people to use the bus as a preferred transportation mode. The plan includes the creation of six bus depots throughout the emirate to maintain the fleet's premium functionality and performance.
The department is also studying the feasibility of the development of dedicated bus priority lines in key road arteries that would ensure smooth bus service and connectivity.