UAE | Traffic and Transport
Bid to reduce traffic congestion ongoing, claims RTA
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) defended its decision not to participate in World Carfree Day, saying efforts were ongoing every day to reduce traffic congestion in the UAE.
- By Kevin Scott and Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporters
- Published: 00:04 September 22, 2008
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) defended its decision not to participate in World Carfree Day, saying efforts were ongoing every day to reduce traffic congestion in the UAE.
Peyman Younes Parham, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at the RTA said the organisation had its own mission statement with similar goals to today's worldwide initiative.
"We certainly encourage and support events such as World Car-free Day but we have our own mission statement to reduce traffic levels and preserve the environment," said Parham.
"There are so many events like this happening every year that we can't participate in them all. However, as an organisation we are taking strides on a daily basis including work on an integrated public transportation network.
Individual obligation
"It is important to remember the responsibility of the public as well in that each individual person has to understand their obligations," he pointed out. "We can't force people to stop using their cars. They have to start carpooling or using public transport at their own will."
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A senior official at Sharjah Transport said it wouldn't be easy to implement a car free initiative in the emirate of Sharjah, home of some of the country's worst traffic congestion.
Sharjah congestion
He said: "We are in the process of inviting consultants for a master plan of Sharjah with regard to public transportation in general, such as bicycles, taxis, buses and their routes. It is not an easy task to implement in a city like Sharjah that is congested with traffic.
"But the overall concept of implementing a world car free day is good because it creates awareness on the importance of public transport which in turn will help combat traffic congestion."
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