Abu Dhabi will not have any private cars on its roads soon

Picture used for illustrative purposes alone

Abu Dhabi is working on a futuristic integrated public transport plan that will take on the dependence on private cars.
The Department of Municipality and Transport (Dmat) said the surface transport project which will be built in phases in 25 years "aims to change transport behaviour from dependence on private cars to a fully integrated public transport system that makes use of new and upcoming technologies."
The department held the final Draft Master Plan Workshop for the Capital Surface Transport Master Plan (CAPSTMP) on September 28, following an intensive one-year study.
Awaidha Murshid Al Marar, Dmat's chairman, attended the workshop along with stakeholders from all government agencies to review the draft plan.
The plan sets out the required strategies to support the expanding Capital, which complements Abu Dhabi's vision and goals including clear policy and infrastructure directions.
The plan is designed to meet clearly articulated goals to improve the quality of life for the residents, supporting the economic development of the city and minimise harmful effects on the environment by using sustainable alternatives that supports Plan Capital Abu Dhabi 2030. Dmat will implement the plan based on several stages within the next 25 years.
It is worth mentioning that the CAPSTMP has been developed by Dmat through a joint steering group of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.
Over 30 stakeholders have also been involved in the process through a series of major surface transport related workshops and meetings.
Dmat also invited engineering and planning students from universities to participate, given that they will have a major role in delivering the Plan in the future. Furthermore, an independent panel of five international experts provided a peer review of the Plan and answered questions.
"I'm proud to have our students, pioneers of the future, involved with us today. They are the power that will help us accomplish more successes and developments," said Al Marar, chairman of Dmat.
"Achieving our leadership's strategy is associated with our national capabilities to accomplish the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision. Consequently, Abu Dhabi will be one of the best places to live in, work or visit."
haseeb@khaleejtimes.com