Towards sustainable transportation

Transportation plays a vital role in facilitating economic growth. However, there is also a downside to the increasing number of vehicles on the roads, as this phenomenon is linked to climate change, air and water pollution, as well as increased energy and land consumption.

It is thus very important to develop a transportation system that helps to build the economy but has a minimally harmful impact on the environment. In this respect, mass rapid transit systems have a central role to play.

One of the world's fastest growing cities, Dubai has been experiencing growing pains for the past 10 years. For example, some problems linked to transportation include: time lost due to traffic congestion; loss of productivity, stress and fatigue; difficulty finding parking; and delayed response by emergency vehicles.

There are environmental issues, too. These include noise and air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, ozone depletion and threats to habitats and biodiversity. To put the problem in perspective, the UAE produces the second highest per capita carbon dioxide emissions in the world and the transportation sector contributes around 10 per cent of this. All of these factors reduce the quality of life of the emirate's inhabitants.

All air pollutants have harmful effects on the environment and human health, and can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, coughing, difficulty in breathing and decreased lung function. Premature death is a possibility.

The RTA has been quite successful in tackling the traffic issue in Dubai by introducing the Salik toll system on its busiest roads, adding new roads and bridges, promoting water taxis and providing real-time traffic updates. But there is no doubt that the Dubai Metro will go a long way towards resolving traffic problems and providing a means of sustainable transportation.

Beyond obvious productivity gains from reduced traffic congestion and travel time, it is estimated that one line of the Metro can replace around 60 lanes of cars. The Metro will also provide economic opportunities for both the private and public sectors. Service businesses large and small, such as malls and restaurants, located close to the Metro will benefit dramatically.

The Metro will also ensure that Dubai remains an attraction for tourists and shoppers, who contribute to the emirate's economy.

Sustainable transport means providing safe, economically viable and socially acceptable access to people, places, goods and services while protecting ecosystems and meeting objectives for health and environmental quality. The Metro will improve the quality of life of Dubai's residents and help to combat global phenomena such as climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion.

There is no doubting the importance of these environmental gains. For example, by simple calculation one can estimate that carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by around 1.6 million metric tons. There are one million cars on Dubai's roads and it is expected that when the Metro is fully operational this number will be reduced by 30 per cent. This calculation does not take into consideration factors such as types of cars (not all are equally fuel efficient) and fuels used (not all produce the same amount of pollution). But the gains go beyond reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

The Metro will also help to reduce carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, in addition to helping to reduce fuel consumption. All of these factors will have environmental and economic benefits for Dubai residents.

However, the real challenge still lies ahead as the public needs to be convinced to use the Metro. Most people prefer to use their private vehicles to commute within Dubai. So, environmental benefits will only be realised if a large percentage of Dubai residents and visitors can be persuaded to use the Metro as their main means of transportation within the city. In fact, Dubai's population of around 1.5 million is quite small compared to that of other mega-cities around the world that depend on mass rapid transit systems.

However, many residents in neighbouring emirates commute to work in Dubai and the city also attracts many tourists. Thus, the integration of services linked to the Metro is an instrumental factor towards its success. Feeder buses, free parking around Metro stations and availability of services inside the stations will encourage people to use the Metro. Above all, fares should be kept low enough to make the service attractive.

Promotional prices for off-peak days or seasons should also be considered. In addition, an awareness campaign would be very helpful in attracting commuters.

There is no doubt that the Metro is a great step forward for Dubai and its residents towards sustainable transportation and improved quality of life. It is our responsibility to leave the city in a better condition than we received it, to the benefit of the next generation.

This project is beneficial to Dubai, the UAE, and the world as a whole. The environmental benefits of the Metro should be calculated and communicated to the public to convince them of the merits of mass rapid transit.

Dr Mohammad Abdel Raouf is in charge of environment research at the Gulf Research Centre.

The Dubai Metro is the magical solution for all the evironmental woes of Dubai. Since sustainable Development is the main focus of this century Dubai is setting an example for the other Gulf countries.There is no doubt that not only will the Metro boost our nation's economy but will also improve the environment . It also provides a boon for school children like me.
Anu Rameshan
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2009, 10:04

Very well written article Dr Mohammad, Dubai is indeed showing signs of broader visions as compared to other arab cities, which has already put dubai on the global map, just hope other cities also start getting some bright vision for a bright tomorrow!!
Omair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2009, 01:24