A world-class transport system

Abu Dhabi has a vision for the future that calls for a world-class, sustainable transport system that incorporates efficient services, integrated technologies and innovative policies. MENA Infrastructure examines just how the emirate is looking to achieve such an ambitious scheme.

In September 2007, the Government of Abu Dhabi announced the establishment of a new Urban Planning Council and released Plan Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan (Plan 2030). The comprehensive guide was designed to plan for the development of the city over the following 25 years and the council was put in place to oversee the implementation of the plan as well as the further development of urban planning policy. In February 2008, the Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) was commissioned by the Department of Transport to develop the conceptual transportation strategy outlined in Plan 2030 into a detailed implementation programme for the entire emirate. Finalised in April 2009, the STMP comprises a comprehensive set of policies and plans for passenger and freight transport that aims to deliver a world-class sustainable transport system.

Commenting on the launch and implementation in April, His Excellency Abdullah Rashid Al Otaiba, Chairman of the Department of Transport, said "The Surface Transport Master Plan 2030 comes in line with Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 and aims to introduce a highly sophisticated transport network throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and to take it to the forefront of globally acclaimed and modern cities and districts. This plan is the result of harmonious co-operation among Abu Dhabi's Executive Council, Executive Affairs Authority, Department of Municipal Affairs and the Department of Transport, who are jointly working to realise the forward-looking and comprehensive vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and under the guidance and direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council."

As well as developing a comprehensive transport plan calling for infrastructure investments, including highways, freight rail, various public transport components and pedestrian amenities, the STMP has delivered an achievable delivery guide to ensure that the recommended policies and plans are implemented in time to serve the phased construction of the city. Involving both the public and private sectors the timetable is aligned to ensure that the investments and policies will coincide with the phased growth of the city as per Plan 2030.

Transport for all

Plan 2030 states that infrastructure should serve all people in the emirate targeting all family sizes and income levels. From an infrastructure perspective this translates into providing public transport systems that are accessible and attractive to a wide variety of people from business people to tourists as well as the young and the elderly. And the advantages from providing such a system include reduced traffic congestion, an attractive urban environment and a sustainable, low carbon future. Indeed, due to the population growth alongside increased land development and economic expansion, the Emirate is set to see the number of trips per day grown from two million in 2008 to 10 million 2030. Without significant modifications to the infrastructure roads will become progressively congested and negatively impact the quality of life as well as the physical environment.

The STMP has responded to this be diversifying the amount of resources available to the public. The plan includes traffic management policies, for example, that will make the most efficient use possible of the highway network, so real-time driver information will be used to inform drivers of up-to-date traffic conditions and present alternatives to avoid congested routes and passengers of potential delays. Measures will also be in place to suit the different traffic demands of the various areas within the city or emirate, this could mean that traffic will be limited on residential streets while major traffic routes provide high capacity for moving travellers. Road safety initiatives are also due to be introduced, with driver education improved and children educated about crossing the road safely. Audits and better design will also lead to increased safety benefits.

There is no doubt that technologies will play a huge part in the STMP and with technological advancements bound to improve over the coming 20 year implementation of the STMP the plan has allowed flexibility and is designed to evolve alongside technological advancements. Innovations are said to be fully considered to ensure that Abu Dhabi citizens benefit from the best technology possible. Abu Dhabi's Masdar initiative is currently being monitored due to its focus on sustainable travel and transport in an urban environment. For starters the city will be car-free, powered by renewable energy with services digitally managed. And, with a maximum of 200 metres to the nearest transport link and amenities the personalised rapid transport system is something that the Abu Dhabi Planning Council are hoping to recreate. The Masdar initiative is also looking at implementing the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) concept, which features small two to four person pod-like vehicles that run on powered pathways underneath the city so that streets will be a pedestrian-only environment. The solar powered vehicles are being as the most cost-effective method of future urban transport.

Environment

With one of the main goals of the STMP to deliver a world-leading performance in environmental sustainability, Masdar will indeed to be looked at closely as a model for sustainability. Abu Dhabi is committed to reducing carbon emissions and protecting its environmental resources as well as protect and enhance cultural heritage, landmarks and monuments. And as the STMP undertake the most ambitious transport system in the world, the project is also looking to be one of the most sustainable, emerging as a global leader in low carbon technologies integrated into a transport system. There is a commitment to lower CO2 emissions in all aspects of transport from design, to construction to operation. All the electricity is due to be obtained from low carbon sources of renewable energy, such as high-tech solar cells. Sponsor of Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company is set to collaborate ideas with the Department of Transport 

As outlined in Plan 2030, and upheld by the STMP, the plan calls for attractive urban developments that appeal to both residents and tourists as well as strengthen the emirates identity. Transport infrastructure makes up a large percentage of what is seen in the public realm and as such as a huge part to play in ensuring the character of roadways, intersections, pavements and transport stations. As such there are several underlying beliefs that the objectives and strategies of the STMP are based on including basing land development and construction on connected centres, public and open spaces, as well as human-scaled, interconnected streets that will optimise mobility within the emirate.

The plan

The integrated, multi-modal system includes:

Roadways with highway improvements, advanced technology, traffic solutions and enhanced connections

High-speed regional trains featuring the fastest trains in the world to provide a high-quality intercity service

Metro network with 130 kilometres of two-way tracks and frequent stations

Tram network supporting the local transport needs in high-density development areas

Bus service outside of the metro and tram networks. Air-conditioned vehicles will provide frequent and regular services

Ferry and water taxi service integrated with land-based services and serving offshore business, residential, leisure and tourism destinations

Freight transport improving efficiency and minimising impacts on the environment

Public transport

Many policies in the STMP are intended to frame public transport as the preferred travel choice as opposed to private cars.

• Parking management and parking charges within the central business district and capital city are designed to better match the supply and demand of parking spaces at various times of day. For example, parking during the peak morning commute hour will be much more costly.
• Park and ride facilities at key public interchanges outside of the central city will help travellers park easily and continue their journey via rail, metro, bus of ferry.
• Policies to support the removal of fuel subsidies or the introduction of fuel taxes will help reduce the perceived economic advantage of private car use. The resulting funding stream can be used to support the provision of high-quality public transport services.
• Congestion pricing will be instituted to charge cars for driving on to Abu Dhabi Island. This charge will inspire many users to select public transport and will ensure relatively un-congested travel conditions for those who are willing to pay.