A new transportation infrastructure expansion program was recently announced by the Dubai Road Transport Authority involving investment of some Dh7 billion to expand road transport across the UAE region.
"For the first time in the history of Dubai, the emirate has spent Dh7billion on construction works and expansion of services for the public," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Road Transport Authority, according to Khaleej Times.
Al Tayer pointed out that a law regarding the expansion project had been drafted and forwarded for approval to the Federal Government. He added that a dedicated lane for trucks and buses had been studied, but was found not to be economical.
"The roads capacity has to be seen and not all roads are wide enough," he said.
Buses connecting various points across the region commute across 168,000 kilometers currently, while the number of passengers is expected to rise to 90 million by the end of this year, compared to 74 million passengers in 2005.
"Via 16 network lines, linking Dubai with Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain, the inter-emirate network also serves the cities and regions like Althide and Masafi and Jebel Ali and several residential, commercial complexes and other industrial areas,” stated Obaid Al Mulla CEO of the Public Transport Agency.
