Dubai: The Middle East is expected to invest about $80 billion in public transport projects over the next 10 years, it was announced yesterday.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai opened the 59th UITP (International Association of Public Transport) World Congress and Mobility and City Transport Exhibition.
Shaikh Mohammad said: "Any project or progress that takes place in any of our emirates is a source of pride for us and the people of the UAE. Definitely, our people will reap the fruits of all the achievements we made in all fields."
Shaikh Mohammad was briefed on the public transport projects in Abu Dhabi.
The announcement on investment in the Middle East was made by Mattar Al Tayer, chairman and executive director of the Roads and Transport Authority.
Al Tayer said Dubai plans to increase its public transport market share "from 8 per cent in 2010 to as much as 30 per cent in 2020".
He told Gulf News that the Metro Green Line has been "delayed until the last quarter of this year".. The line was to open August 2011.
