Plans to overhaul transportation

Abu Dhabi: The Department of Transport invited transport companies yesterday to tender proposals for the Comprehensive Transportation Plan for the Abu Dhabi Metropolis.

"The Comprehensive Transportation Plan for the Abu Dhabi Metropolis [CTPADM] comes within the 'Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision' initiatives to introduce a highly sophisticated transport network for Abu Dhabi and to take it to the forefront of globally acclaimed and modern metropolises," said Abdullah Rashid Al Otaiba, Chairman of the Department of Transport (DoT).

DoT's vision is to regulate a sophisticated, well-planned and sustainable transport system which can support the ongoing growth and diversification of the economy.

Some of the cost efficient standards include implementation of Abu Dhabi's civil aviation and maritime general policy, cooperation with local, regional and international organisations, and adherence to all international agreements endorsed by the UAE.

The CTPADM'S first objective is to ensure integration with 'Abu Dhabi Metropolis 2030 Vision' by connecting the city to its neighbouring districts, allowing easier movement of people and goods by all means of transportation, namely underground and sea transportation.

Another key objective discussed is the development of a state-of-the-art transportation analysis model.

This will help study and identify the current and future transport needs within the city, taking into consideration all relevant social and economic factors such as population and industrial growth, and increase in travel and tourism figures in Abu Dhabi.

Moreover, the comprehensive transportation plan will develop a number of key elements, such as a full estimate of capital and operational costs of all required transportation projects and improvements till 2030.

Key elements

A proposal, evaluation and recommendation of alternative financing strategies for transport infrastructure and services, two detailed project roll-out implementation plans for medium (five-year) and short (one-year) terms, an institutional and legislative framework, and a project performance comprehensive management system are among other elements.

The project is set to commence in November and is expected to finish by the end of 2008, with mid-2008 set as a target date to start the first stage of the project prior to the full conclusion of the plan to expedite implementation.

Objective

Movement of people and goods

• The first objective of Comprehensive Transportation Plan for the Abu Dhabi Metropolis is to connect the city with its neighbouring districts, allowing easier movement of people and goods by all means of transportation, namely underground and sea transportation.
• The development of a state-of-the-art transportation analysis model to help study and identify the current and future transport needs of the city.
• The plan will also develop a number of key elements, such as a full estimate of capital and operational costs of all required transportation projects and improvements till 2030.