Analysis of the Dubai Transport System - Article Example

Running head: Dubai Transportation and planning Name xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Course xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Lecturer xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Date xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Introduction Dubai has transformed itself in the recent times to become a major global logistical and exchange hub as well as world-class destination and an international financial services center. It is the second largest emirate, second to Abu Dhabi but has made itself more important than the neighbor even without the rich oil reserves Abu Dhabi has. The growth and transformation of the city has effects both in the Middle East and the global market with it becoming an attraction of great investments. Amongst the Middle East countries, UAE and Turkey currently receive the largest chunk of foreign direct investments (FDI). This is related to more relaxed and accommodating financial and economic policies. This paper seeks to analyze Dubai’s transportation system. This is by analyzing the strategic systems and projects the Roads and Transportation Authority. It shall also analyze the roles of different other departments citing the milestones and challenges in ensuring a sustainable transport system. Finally, the paper shall make recommendations on the way forward. The Dubai Transportation System The Dubai Transport system profiles as a world class standard network with advancements in all modes of transport. The network has provided the city with an abundance of opportunities for both locals and foreigners. Much as there are abundant opportunities for both the locals and foreigners; individuals, corporate and governments alike, the Dubai authorities are faced with numerous challenges. Key among these include dwindling energy resources, labor shortages, rising inflation rates which push the cost of living and looming political and economical instability in the region (Oxford Business Group , 2008). This is in addition to an increasing population which has been growing at a steady rate of 8%, majority of whom are expatriates estimated to be over 95% (Oxford Business Group , 2008). In a bid to ensure economic and social sustainability and address the challenge of rising population and the need for connectivity, the Dubai authorities have engaged in intensive transport-system development. Dubai boasts as having a regional and global class in the transport system. There have been remarkable developments in road transport, air and water. This is a major contributor to the economic growth being experienced. Dubai’s transportation system is managed and developed by the Dubai’s Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA). This is the regulatory body (Mobile Reference, 2010). In running and reguating the transportation system under the Dubai Municipality the RTA’s mission is to prepare legislation and develop safe integrated road systems and transportation networks solutions. This is in tandem with the emirate’s economic development plans and international standards (Authority, 2011). The mission is pursued in tandem with the vision of having safe and smooth transport for all (Authority, 2011). It is under this vision that the municipality has developed roads and has its own transport facilities. There are also trams, water ways, airports and the $3.89 billion Metro. The RTA runs extensive public bus services and taxi systems that compelement the other modes of transport within and without the emirate. Previous and upcoming projects: their effectiveness The unpredented scale of developments within the municipality and as well the growing population have put the current infrastructure under immense pressure. UAE’s urban areas are facing a growing challenge of traffic congestion and increasing need (Ali, Kattan, & Hrairi, 2010). In response to this, the Dubai Municipality has invested in projects of various scopes in all forms of transport. Citing among a few, the municipality has invested in the recently completed Palm Jumeirah Transit System (see appendix 1). This is a monorail system that was developed to provide access to the Palm Jumeirah island off the coast of Dubai. This system comprises of 5.4 km of double-tracked line with four stations. The system also has a vehicle storage depot and an inspection unit all in the mainland (Kimijima, Takahashi, Kawabat, & Matsuo, 2008). It main purpose is to link the mainland with the tourist attractions of the island serving both residents and tourists. It has so been designed to complent the resort facilities. With its vehicles having each three cars the track runs between the Gateway Station on the mainland to the island’s Atlantis Aquaventure Station. The trams Set to be completed by the end of 2011, the dubai government approved the development of two tram systems: Downtown Burj Dubai and the Alsufuoh tram. The former is 4.6 km long and intended to enhance accessibility and logistics about the Burj Dubai. This tram, valued at Dh500 million, has two separate lines and was done in two phases. The Al Sufouh Tram is 14.5 km running along the Al Sofouh road interconnecting the Mall of Emirates, Burj Al Arab and the Dubai Marina as well as stations of the Dubai’s Metro Red Line (Mobile Reference, 2010). The trams accrue efficiency from their enhanced connectivity and sense of sustainability. Technologically, the trams adopt the state-of-art technology in motor vehicle and power industries. The technologies are environmental friendly and accords maximum safety for travellers. They are designed to run for at least 20 hour per day travelling at a maximum of 50 km/h. As such, users almost have a full access for their transport needs. Marine Mass transit Stations This project coded MR017/1 costed the RTA Dhs100 Million. It was done between March, 2009 and 2010 encompsssing the development of two initial model designs of Abra, Water Taxis and Water buses Stations. It was intended to upgrade the existing facility stations to the standards of contemporary urbanization and the Dubai Creek cultural identity (Authority, 2011). This is in addition to enabling the mass marine transport be a competitive alternative of ideal mobility. The improvement is not only environmentally friendly but also enhances inclusiveness. The materials used are both eco-friendly and culturally in harmony with the Dubai Creek. It has the benefit of accruing utility for a wide spectra of marine community. The RTA indicates that the only marine transit not accomodated is Ferry Dubai. However, the ferry-system is enhanced by integration with the metro, buses and taxis. Policy and planning Dubai is a hub of opportunities and challenges in equal measure for all stakeholders. Acrruing optimum advantage from these lies solely on the ability of the Dubai government to develop policies and regulations that are both enabling and competitive and as well sustainable. Road and transportation policy malking is a function of the RTA. This is in tandem with those of the Municipality. As city-state, Dubai has relentlessly focused on the future: building towards sustainability. Transport planning and policy making has contributed to Dubai’s diversification as a prefered center of global economy (Ghani & Lockhart, 2008). A key policy that is successifully charting the developmental path is the Dubai Public Transport Bus Master Plan. The plan was developed under the principle of developing Dubai into a world-class system. It was intended to ensure safety and smoothness in travel, increase the carrying capacity for all motorised persons to 26% and that all the modes of transport in the city are compelmentary (Kasier, 2010). This is a follow-up of the Strategic Plan 2007-2009. The plan intended at amongst other things developing world-class service that enables optimal servicing of the needs and transportation and safety awareness and education for all Dubai residents. In planning of the city-state’s system, the professionals and policy makers are guided by the following: ensuring optimal productivity by allocating resources on s needs-basis. There is the focus on the passenger wait time and in-vehicle travel time (Kasier, 2010). These refer to the indices of the time spent waiting for transport service and the time taken in transit respectively considering the effect of the indices on economic utility. This is in addition to a consideration on access time and travel comfort. As such the planning ensures that there is high access and that passengers are comfortable as influenced by service and facility capacity and frequency (Kasier, 2010). It is in pursuit of these that the RTA has developed the ultra-modern metro system, and enhanced Taxi and bus services. The Strategic Bus Network 2007-2020 developed in line with reference to current bus service appraisal results and the R1000 Transportation Master Plan reflects this intention (Kasier, 2010). The success of the RTA notwithstanding, there has risen a critique over some key plans. The multi-billion Dirham metro project has received a lot of attention and hailed as a landmark achievement. However, it has been criticized as not being done in tandem with needs and productivity. It serves only 5% of Dubai’s residents and less than 10% of the working professionals in those areas. It is critical that the planning shifts focus from an over-emphasis on developing public transport infrastructure into either stimulating preference for public transport or enhancing service delivery for the majority who own vehicles. In addition to this the need for environmental sustainability needs to focused on. Any policy developed should provide for a balance between being globally competitive and environmentally sustainable. The provision for the use of eco-friendly materials for various projects is commendable. The Palm Jumeirah Transit System highlights such a success. However, the imminent danger of emmissions needs more focus. The Roads and Transport Authority(RTA) The RTA is the transportion development and regulating agency of the Dubai municipality. It was formulated in November, 2005 resulting from a legislation Law Number 17/2005 as a public authority. The main objective of the authority as stated in article 5 of the law is to undertake “…..planning and providing the requirements for transport, roads and traffic in the Emirates and between the Emirate and other Emirates, as well as between the Emirate and the neighboring countries, with a view of providing an efficient and integrated transport system in fulfilment of the Emirate’s vision and in furtherance of its vital interests…” (Dubai Ruler, 2005) The law specifically gives the RTA roles such as developing transport strategic plans and policies. It is responsible for analyzing, approving and advising the government on privatisation. It licences under legislations various services in the municipality. It is also mandated to establish and manage comprehensive and sustainable transport system through the establishment and implementation of regulations and operational procedures. The RTA’s vision is to provide safe and smooth transport for all needs. This is by publishing legislations and developing integrated road and marine networks to meet Dubai’s development needs and international standards. In this undertaking, key values guide the strategic endeavor; quality and customer service, corporate reputation, distinction and success, strategic partnerships and leadership and team work (Authority, 2011). To counter the traffic jams and frequent accidents estimated to cost the economy an annual loss of $1.2bn and $200m respectively, the RTA prepared the Transportation Master Plan (Oxford Business Group , 2008). This is a plan envisioning 2020 by targetting to spend Dh 25.5. it also intends to alleviate the growing concern over transport related environmental pollution. This plan comprises of a new 500km road network with new interchanges, ringroads and creek-crossing lanes. It also encompasses the metro. Under this plan, there are several projects which the RTA reports having run or are in progress: the Dubai Metro project, the Red line, the Green line, water taxi project, automated vehicle management and the automated fare collection amongst others. Apart from the development projects, licensing and regulations, the RTA also runs a public transport system of buses, taxis, trains and water ways. In undertaking these tasks the RTA utilizes partnerships with stakeholders such as the Dubai Municipality, the Department of Civil Aviation and the Dubai Taxi Agency all established under various legislations. Their interaction is regulated under legislations. The RTA is faced with as numerous opportunities as there are challenges. Amongst the opportunities and strengths the RTA has include increased resources by the government. This is in a bid to spur Dubai’s status as an international hub and deal with the challenges. There are also increasing resources from FDIs and tourism ventures. The Emirate has received increasing FDI over time and has been indicated as preferred investment destination in the Middle East and and North Africa region. It has been ranked 11th in the global platform and hailed as having investor confidence and a gateway (Foreign Investment Office, 2010). Dubai’s competitive advantage is founded on safety and security. In a ddition to this the RTA is well positioned by the well constructed legislations and policies. These have enabled a structured management of transportation within the emirate. The greatest challenges to the RTA lies in the danger of environmental pollution. The most critical risk factors are CO, NOx and hydrocarbons (see appendix 2). This is related to increased development, a fast growing population and traffic congestion. According to Mobile Reference (2010), traffic congestion costs Dubai losses to the tune of Dh4.6 bn, a 3.15% of the GDP. The city exceeds New York, London and Singapore in the number of cars registered having a rate of 541 cars per 1000 population. This has grown in the last 20 years (Ali, Kattan, & Hrairi, 2010). In this challenge, the task has been in developing sustainable transportation systems and competitively so in the globalized and highly competitive global market. Al Maktoum International Airport & Dubai International Airport Dubai International Airport is the largest airport in the Middle East. It is managed by the Government and Department of Civil Aviation. This is because it is the main airport. It is the second fastest growing airport in the world. It is in the course of becoming the world’s fastest growing airport (Saidi, Prasad, Scacciavillani, & Roi, 2010). It has received numerous awards and they include; Official Airline Guide (OAG) International Award and the Best Airport Worldwide Award. In recent times it has reflected a tremendous growth of about 20.2% in term of passenger movement. This has been as a result of Dubai being a leisure and business destination of the region. At present, it holds a capacity of about 70 million passengers annually. The security and safety of the airport is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Dubai. Al Maktoum International Airport is an airport situated Dubai and Jebel Ali that was opened in 2010. It is located 40 km Dubai International Airport. The airport was named after the former ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Immediately after construction, it handled cargo flights but not until this year that it has started passengers operation. It is designed to be the world’s largest cargo and passenger hub. When completed, it will have a passenger capacity of about 160 million passengers annually and a cargo capacity of approximately 12 million tons. In fact, it will complement the Dubai International Airport, which at the moment has a large capacity (Schulte-Peevers, 2010). Department of Civil Aviation and Dubai Airports Company In Dubai, the Department of Civil Aviation is the body that governs the aviation activities in Dubai. It had operated Dubai International Airport, Dubai Duty Free Zone and Dubai Cargo Village. However, the management of Dubai’s cargo and airports has all been transferred to the Dubai Airports Company, which is a separate entity from the department. The activities of Department of Civil Aviation have narrowed to aviations permissions and regulations. The Company was constructed in 2008 and is divided is dividing into numbers of supporting units and business units. Dubai Metro Project (Green Line & Red Line) Dubai Metro Project is being operated by RTA and is a driverless and fully automated metro network which is under construction. It will run underground within the city center. The train has a speed of 90km/hr maximum. Therefore, it forms a trip of one hour and 23 minutes round the Green Line and two hours and twenty three minutes round the Red Line. Dubai Rapid Link (DURL) consortium is building the first phase of the network. This comprises of Japanese companies, that is, Mitsubishi heavy industries and corporation, Kajima Corporation, Obayashi Corporation and Yapi Merkezi which is a Turkish company. The Red Line of this metro system was opened in September 2009. It ran 52.1 km. The Red Line has 10 stations; four of the stations are underground. This line starts from Rashidiva to Jebel Ali and does pass through American University of Dubai. Plans are underway to extend this Line by 15.5 km which will add six ore stations. Initially, 10 stations were opened and the rest in phases by February 2010 and the Green Line by June 2010. The Green Line which is 23 km has 18 stations, of the 18, two of which are shared with the Red Line. The Line will be extended from Bur Dai and Deira to Wafi and Burjuman shopping centers. An extension of 11k has been proposed so that it can cover the route between the International City Station and Al Jaddaf (Mobile reference, 2010). The underground routes in the city center run from Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed /Sheikh Rashid intersection to Abu Bakr Al Siddique / Salahuddin intersection that is one Red Line and from Oud MethaRoad to Garhoud on the Green Line. The metro serves the Airport Terminal, Mall of the Emirates and city center. Tickets range from Single Dh2-8.50 to double which use “Gold” a first class carriage. The trains run from 6 AM to 11PM, every 10 minutes. On Friday, the services are limited to midnight. The network is the first network in Gulf’s Arab States. It aims at easing the daily commute for the high population of emirates workers. When fully implemented, Dubai metro is designed to carry about 1.2 million passengers and on a day average, 355 passengers annually. The operating costs that includes maintenance, power and staff, will be about AED570 m yearly. This will be met through addition revenues such as joint development and advertisement and through fares (Schulte-Peevers, 2010). Transportation Milestones The Dubai transportation has grown over time into what it is. Analysts indicate that Dubai’s growth into an international cultural, tourism and financial hub is highly related to milestones in the transport system. To begin with, the legislation of the RTA in 2005 may be cited as milestone setting the pace for the others. This is because every other endeavor and development projects buys from policies and plans developed by the RTA. After 2005, there have been more legislations enhancing the ability of the Authority to adequately manage Dubai’s transportation. In 2006 the Executive Council resolution number 8 established RTA’s agencies and promulgated its organizational and corporate structure. Key among these was the Licensing Agency later enhanced by the Executive Council Resolution Number 8 of 2008. (Authority, 2011). This structure has enabled it plan, develop and appraise projects. In the same year, a municipality decree transferred key transport roles of the municipality to the jurisdiction of RTA. This created clear-cut differentiation and specialization and as well reduced probablity of jurisdictional conflict. The transportation infrastructure has improved to great lengths. The emirate has amongst its facilities state-of-art leading facilities globally. The Dubai Metro is facility in a class of its own in the region and otherwise. Having 73 km and 43 stations the metro has trains every 90 seconds that connect with every other mode in various locations. The metro complements other modes, an integration that incorporates bus and boat feeder stations. The metro also has provisions for park and ride facilities (Mattar Al Tayer, 2010). The government also earned from the Metro project through the naming rights bidding. It is expected that the naming rights which accrued EUR 354 million in the first batch of bidding will eventually earn the RTA EUR 590 million. The other major highlight is the Palm Jumeirah Transit System connecting Dubai mainland and the Palm Jumeirah. This system is a monorail developed with eco-friendly materials and ultimate safety given that it is electrified with under-cables. There is detailed integration of the air travel with other modes. This results from the relationship between the Department of Civil Aviation and the RTA. The Dubai International Airport now has a capacity of 70 million passengers and 750,000 tonnes annually. More is expected with the plans for redevelopment and expansion. The RTA runs public services unmet by peer countries and the other emirates. There are close to 200 routes with public buses. The buses in use are ultra-modern with technologies such as passengers counting systems, display monitors and wi-fi internet access. This is in addition to an extensive taxi system co-run by the government and private ventures. This system is the most used means within the United Arab Emirates (Mobile Reference., 2010). The RTA has also automated services such as licensing and fare collection and the operations of the monorail and bus services. The automated vehicle management system has streamlined bus services by providing real-time information about availability and logistics. This has not only helped the users to plan and be informed, but also helped the RTA maintain standard service provision. Conclusions The indication that Dubai’s growth and development is highly related to the transportation system is quite agreeble. Steered by the Roads and Transport Authority, the growth in the transportation systems and services has spurred growth in other areas. The city is known for its logistics value in the global market. It has grown as a regional hub reaching prominence in the global logistics network. In the contemporary globalized economy, it is an important node in the supply chain. Due to this, it has attracted and continues to attract big amounts of Foreign Direct Investments. In addition, business ventures, tourism and real estates are growing along the direction charted by the system. The main stay of the growth challenge is traffic congestion and environmental pollution related to emissions. Formulation of policies and plans that will ensure competitive sustainability is an area the RTA needs to focus. This will harness the potential. The already implemented plans and policies are yielding fruits. These include the Dubai Metro, the Bus services and the taxi. As such, Dubai presents itself as a system of complete integration with an almost flawless interconnection amongst water ways, the metro, airports and road transport. References Ali, Y., Kattan, I., & Hrairi, M. (2010). Risk Analysis Factors of the Emission in Transportation: A Case Study-Dubai Taxi. Dubai . Dubai Ruler’s Court. (2005). Establishing Roads and Transport Authority (Law Number 17/2005). Retrieved December 5, 2011 from http://www.rta.ae/wps/wcm/resources/file/eb054c068dd9ef7/law172005.pdf Foreign Investment Office. (2010). Dubai: Leading the Middle East in Investor confidence . Dubai : Government of Dubai . Ghani, A., & Lockhart, C. (2008). Fixing failed states : a framework for rebuilding a fractured world. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Kasier, J. (2010). Dubai Public Transport Bus Master Plan- a new era of public transport services in the world's fastest developing city. Karlsruhe, Germany . Kimijima, N., Takahashi, H., Kawabat, I., & Matsuo, S. (2008). New Urban Transport System for Middle East Monorail System for Dubai Palm Jumeirah Transit System. Japan. Mobile Reference. (2010). Travel Dubai, United Arab Emirates : Illustrated Guide, Phrasebook and Maps. Boston: MobileReference.com. Oxford Business Group . (2008). Report : dubai 2008. Dubai: Oxford Business Group . Mattar Al Tayer, C. o. (2010, November ). Public transport-based growth taking Dubai into the future . (PTI, Interviewer) Road Transport Authority. (2011, November 30). Government of Dubai. Retrieved December 5, 2011, from Road and Transport Authority: http://www.rta.ae Saidi, N., Prasad, A., Scacciavillani, F., & Roi, T. (2010). Dubai World Central and the Evolution of Dubai Logistics Cluster: Economic Note No. 10. Dubai : Dubai International Financial Centre. Schulte-Peevers, A. (2010), Dubai, Dubai: Lonely Planet. Appendices Appendix 1: Map: Palm Jumeirah Transit System (Kimijima, Takahashi, Kawabat, & Matsuo, 2008). Appendix 2: Pollution indices: emissions in Dubai Table 1: Emission indices on Dubai (Ali, Kattan, & Hrairi, 2010). Appendix 3: transportation growth in Dubai Source: Dubai World Central and the Evolution of Dubai Logistics Cluster: Economic Note No. 10 (2010) Appendix 4: the Green and Red Lines Map: the Green and Red Lines (Dubai Metro) http://dubaimetro.eu/files/metro_pocket_brochure.pdf Appendix 4: Dubai Metro roads Map: Dubai Roads (available at http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/wps/wcm/resources/file/eb918148a8375df/Dubai_Roads_Map.pdf) Read More