Public transportation needs a ‘green’ fix to aid sustainability
calls for enhanced intercity mobility to ensure faster, more direct connectivity between settlements have grown.
As demand rises, so do concerns regarding transportation — one of the leading contributors to GHG emissions, congestion, and noise and air pollution in cities. With more people projected to live in urban areas, coupled with increasing environmental issues, the need for green and sustainable transport alternatives has never been more apparent.
Vehicle exhausts are one of the biggest single contributors to carbon emissions and general pollution in the urban environment. However, the adoption of electric vehicles is on the rise, particularly electric buses that are a prominent form of
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The “Dubai Green Mobility Initiative” launched to encourage the use of sustainable transport and electric vehicles; The Abu Dhabi Transportation Mobility Management (TMM) Strategy, which seeks to improve access to public transport for individuals and organisations alike;
The Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) deployed to deliver public transport.
The increase of “smart” mobility is another viable solution for the transport industry to combat climate change, and relevant technologies and services
■ a world-class, sustainable transport system to support Abu Dhabi’s economic, social, and environmental goals; and The Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, which aims to reduce transportation costs, carbon emissions and accidents while transforming 25 per cent of the total transportation in the emirate to automated by 2030. have already proven to benefit travellers, service providers and urban planners.
Emerging mobility technologies offer an array of solutions to the challenges facing operational efficiency and individuals’ transportation demand in cities.
Unprecedented space limitations on roads and designated parking areas, environmental issues and high economic costs will inevitably ensure that cities — and mega-cities — come under immense pressure to adopt sustainable modes of transportation. Public transport systems and other alternatives — such as cycling in some cities — have emphasised that citizens are not dependent on cars all the time.
It is now evident that urban rail will establish a new golden age, because of its capacity to transport so many people within such little spaces. And since it fits in snugly as an option in dense, mixed-use urban developments.
The UAE is aiming to be a leading model of the new green economy to enhance competitiveness, ensure sustainability and preserve its environment. The requirements of the transportation sector have also been identified, and numerous strategies deployed to build a sustainable transport industry. (See box)
Clearly, there are numerous present and future challenges in relation to climate change and sustainable transport. That being said, the UAE is leading the way as it strives to become a leading green economy that ensures the sustainability of its transport sector and secures the future of its environment.
■ Alex Rentier is Managing Director Dubai Metro and Tram at Serco Middle East.