Sharjah: Residents are to be asked to take part in a survey which aims to cut traffic congestion in the emirate and promote the use of public transport.
The two-month survey, which will start on September 22, aims to analyse when and where people travel to. It will focus on residential areas, highways, car parks, work places, malls and bus stations.
The surveys will include 4,200 household interviews which will represent three per cent of the total number of households in Sharjah. The 15-minute interviews will be carried out by five teams across a sample of households from every area in Sharjah and will include information such as the time of travel, mode of travel, and start and end locations.
Roadside interviews, another part of the survey, will also take place on seven main roads where drivers will be asked a few questions while they wait in traffic.
The aim is to develop a Sustainable Transport Master Plan.’
The announcement was made by Sharjah Transport Corporation (STC) and the Directorate of Public Works (DPW).
Shaikh Khalid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, member of Sharjah Executive Council and chairman of DPW, said the surveys will determine not only the existing traffic patterns but also reflect the emirate’s need for potential development and projects.
The data will also help to determine transportation preferences, peak times for vehicle use, and preferred routes and modes of transportation.
Reduce pollution
Through the survey, the STC and DPW will have the opportunity to evaluate and analyse the data to find new means to reduce traffic by promoting the use of public transport in the emirate.
“Sharjah Comprehensive Transportation Plan is considered a key major strategic option for Sharjah as it will definitely contribute to develop the transportation system so as to make public transport a preference for the public, to reduce the use of private vehicles and to enhance public transport in addition to eliminating environmental pollution,” said Shaikh Khalid.
Despite new road expansion projects and bridges in Sharjah, Shaikh Khalid added that the plan aims to reduce traffic by finding effective short-term solutions for congestion as well as setting up a long-term strategic plan for 2030 that will consider the economic and population growth in Sharjah.
Abdullah Al Zari, director-general of the STC, added that the data will help upgrade infrastructure in Sharjah as it will play a vital role in enhancing improving traffic flow.
“This will be achieved according to a detailed particular strategy and per a phased implementation plan to provide necessary land transportation infrastructure in a way that copes with the construction development taking place in Sharjah, and major future developmental plans of the main cities as well,” he said.
The strategic transport model of Sharjah, which will be developed gradually over the next few years, will start with the survey. During the two-month period, Al Zari urged the public to participate when approached to enable the teams to obtain a higher number of accurate responses.
The intensive study will be carried out by AECOM, an international transportation consultant.
