Libyan Minister Hails Dubai Roads Infrastructure, Mass Transit Systems
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Hadi Al Al Hashimi Al Harari, Minister of Local Governments in the Libyan Interim Government, praised the projects, systems & programs undertaken by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) articulated in constructing & upgrading the infrastructure of roads & bridges network, and mass transit systems spanning rails, trams buses and marine modes, as well as the introduction of transport systems & technologies required for the optimal & efficient utilization of the roads & transit systems.
The Libyan Minister was hugely impressed by the Dubai Metro, and the centers controlling the operation of the metro, buses and taxis. He also admired RTA’s initiatives aimed at reducing the public’s semi-total reliance on private vehicle conveyance, and raising their reliance on other means of mobility including mass transit means.
"The achievements made in the UAE in general and Dubai Emirate in particular is a result of a political will at the highest level that seeks to enhance the overall growth & development of the country, harness all resources to ensure a decent life for citizens as well as residents living in the UAE, and capitalize on the expertise of advanced countries to achieve sustainable development across the nation. The Libyan interim government keeps in high regards the development model seen by the UAE under the leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates," stated Al Hashimi.
The Libyan Minister made these remarks in a visit to the RTA where he was received by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, who started the meeting by welcoming H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Hadi Al Al Hashimi Al Harari, Minister of Local Governments in the Libyan Interim Government, and H.E. Hisham Al Kreshki, Deputy Chairman of the Tripoli Local Council, and the accompanying delegation comprising several officials of the Tripoli Local Council. The meeting was also attended b a host of RTA’s CEOs and Directors.
Al Tayer briefed the Libyan delegation on the RTA saying that RTA was established in order to provide an effective & integrated transit system that supports Dubai’s vision through devising express solutions for the traffic situation, preparing long-term strategic plans, and continuing with the existing projects.
The Libyan delegation reviewed RTA’s expertise in migrating to mass transit systems. From inception, RTA attended to making the public transport the ideal choice of the public mobility in the Emirate with a view to raising the share of mass transit commuters from 6 per cent in 2006 to 30 per cent in 2030. In this drive it constructed the Dubai Metro project which has managed to commute more than 69 million passengers in 2011 RTA has also beefed up the fleet of public buses from 619 buses at the time of establishing the RTA to more than 1400 modern buses. It also completed the construction of 900 air-conditioned bus shelters for passengers of public buses spreading all over the Emirate, as well as several bus depots at Al Rawiyya, Jebel Ali, Al Khawaneej and Al Awir. As for the marine transit modes, RTA has operated the Water Bus, Water Taxi, and Ferry Dubai besides renovating 154 abras. The delegation also reviewed the Unified Automated Fare Collection Card, branded as Nol Card; one of the electronic systems introduced by the RTA to ensure a seamless and smooth mobility for all users of public transport means including the Dubai Metro, public buses, and the Water Bus as well as the paid parking.
Al Tayer concluded his remarks by giving a brief account of RTA road projects: "The number of lanes crossing the Dubai Creek has leapfrogged from 19 in 2006 to 48 lanes in 2011 recording in the process a 153% rise. The total length of roads network grew from 8715 km to 11217 km during the same period. Equally the number of tunnels jumped from 21 to 54 tunnels and the number of footbridges skyrocketed from 24 to 73 bridges."
At the end of the meeting Al Tayer presented RTA trophy to H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Hadi Al Al Hashimi Al Harari.
Emirate: Dubai
Date: Feb 25, 2012
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