RTA Receives the Flag of Hosting 59th UITP World Congress & Exhibition 2011

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 16/PRNewswire/ — More Than 1000 Personalities Attend the Event Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:
Dubai received the flag of hosting the 59th World Congress and Exhibition of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011, at the closing session of the 58th UITP World Congress held in the Austrian capital Vienna.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090616/350639 )

The event was attended by more than 1000 personalities headed by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador
to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E.Roberto Cavalieri, UITP President, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, senior Austrian government officials, executives of transport sector from all
over the world, and representatives of companies specialized in the field of transport.

Al Tayer received the flag of hosting The 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition from H.E. Roberto Cavalieri and H.E. Hans Rat amid a huge applause from the attendants.

In a speech delivered after taking over of the flag, Al Tayer said: "The United Arab Emirates made massive economic, social and cultural development and grew into a key commercial center, thanks to the wise
leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and his brother HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Accordingly, the UAE has had a vibrant and diverse economy and succeeded in attracting considerable number
of investors, businessmen; thanks to its superb infrastructure, international outlook, free economic policy and emphasis on delivering top-notch services at the least possible costs".

Al Tayer lauded the efforts of the Austrian Government and the UITP in bringing success to the 58th UITP World Congress and delivering it in a fine format. He also praised the work papers discussed during the Congress
and the latest transport technologies displayed by the participating companies. Meanwhile, Al Tayer welcomed all attendants to Dubai during the 59th UITP Congress; which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011.

"When you visit Dubai, you will notice the eye-catching infrastructure, smooth flow of business cycle and world-class service delivery. We view Dubai as a regional hub of integrated transport systems.

The 59th UITP World Congress 2011 will be a milestone in our drive to achieve transport excellence, marking the completion of transport modes spanning the metro, tram, public transport, and marine transport in the emirate such that Dubai will set the example to follow in the region," said Al Tayer.

He added: "I’m proud of the huge success made by the emirate of Dubai in upgrading mass transit system; which has become crucial for the daily mobility of Dubai residents. RTA was established in 2005 to assume
responsibility for transport in Dubai and from inception it set sight on provision of an integrated mass transit network that includes buses, marine modes, metro, and tram; all of which are characterized by top quality,
affordable rates and wide geographical coverage. Additionally, RTA is assigning much attention to safety in all public transport means; including trains and buses.

"This year will witness the operation of the initial phase of Dubai Metro Project; the longest driverless metro project constructed as one project worldwide. It extends 75 km and connects 48 stations; including the biggest metro station in the world i.e. the 25,000 square meter area Union Square Station; a key interchange station between the Red and Green Lines.

Dubai Metro is modeled at the highest global standards and based on state-of-the-art rail technologies to meet the requirements of various community segments. With its air-conditioned stations, and e-ticketing system, the system sets the benchmark of total quality standards. It has a capacity to handle 23,000 passengers per hour per direction, and the metro is set to attract 17% of total person trips in the city by 2020."

During the closing ceremony a film was played to showcase the massive economic process in the emirate of Dubai, the traditions of the UAE society as well as the tourist, cultural and commercial landmarks of the emirate. Al Mazyoodi Band made Yawla dance which was well received by the attendants. Events also included sand drawing of several Dubai tourist attraction landmarks, RTA logo and the logo of the 59th UITP World Congress &
Exhibition "Dubai 2011".

Afterwards, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, together with H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria, accompanied chief guests of the closing ceremony to RTA stand at the Exhibition; where they were served with
popular UAE cuisine and Arabian coffee. The guests attended a video presentation about the experiment of the RTA in developing mass transit systems covering metro, tram, marine transport and public buses as well as
road projects and modern traffic technologies.

At the end of the event, Al Tayer presented trophies to H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E. Roberto Cavalieri, the outgoing UITP
President whose term has ended with the current term, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, H.E Elain Flausch the new President of UITP and the representative of Vienna Government.

Peyman Parham, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Roads and Transport Authority, Tel: +971-42065005, Mobile:+971-50-8889689, peyman.parham@rta.ae; Fiona D’Cunha, Marketing and
Corporate Communications, Roads and Transport Authority, Telephone: +971-4-2065098, Mobile-+971-50-2821969, website: http://www.rta.ae

RTA Receives the Flag of Hosting 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition 2011

Dubai received the flag of hosting the 59th World Congress and Exhibition of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011, at the closing session of the 58th UITP World Congress held in the Austrian capital Vienna.The event was attended by more than 1000 personalities headed by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E. Roberto Cavalieri, UITP President, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, senior Austrian government officials, executives of transport sector from all over the world, and representatives of companies specialized in the field of transport.Al Tayer received the flag of hosting The 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition from H.E. Roberto Cavalieri and H.E. Hans Rat amid a huge applause from the attendants.In a speech delivered after taking over of the flag, Al Tayer said: “The United Arab Emirates made massive economic, social and cultural development and grew into a key commercial center, thanks to the wise leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and his brother HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Accordingly, the UAE has had a vibrant and diverse economy and succeeded in attracting considerable number of investors, businessmen; thanks to its superb infrastructure, international outlook, free economic policy and emphasis on delivering top-notch services at the least possible costs”.Al Tayer lauded the efforts of the Austrian Government and the UITP in bringing success to the 58th UITP World Congress and delivering it in a fine format. He also praised the work papers discussed during the Congress and the latest transport technologies displayed by the participating companies. Meanwhile, Al Tayer welcomed all attendants to Dubai during the 59th UITP Congress; which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011.“When you visit Dubai, you will notice the eye-catching infrastructure, smooth flow of business cycle and world-class service delivery. We view Dubai as a regional hub of integrated transport systems. The 59th UITP World Congress 2011 will be a milestone in our drive to achieve transport excellence, marking the completion of transport modes spanning the metro, tram, public transport, and marine transport in the emirate such that Dubai will set the example to follow in the region” said Al Tayer.He added: “I’m proud of the huge success made by the emirate of Dubai in upgrading mass transit system; which has become crucial for the daily mobility of Dubai residents. RTA was established in 2005 to assume responsibility for transport in Dubai and from inception it set sight on provision of an integrated mass transit network that includes buses, marine modes, metro, and tram; all of which are characterized by top quality, affordable rates and wide geographical coverage. Additionally, RTA is assigning much attention to safety in all public transport means; including trains and buses.“This year will witness the operation of the initial phase of Dubai Metro Project; the longest driverless metro project constructed as one project worldwide. It extends 75 km and connects 48 stations; including the biggest metro station in the world i.e. the 25,000 square meter area Union Square Station; a key interchange station between the Red and Green Lines. Dubai Metro is modeled at the highest global standards and based on state-of-the-art rail technologies to meet the requirements of various community segments. With its air-conditioned stations, and e-ticketing system, the system sets the benchmark of total quality standards. It has a capacity to handle 23,000 passengers per hour per direction, and the metro is set to attract 17% of total person trips in the city by 2020”.During the closing ceremony a film was played to showcase the massive economic process in the emirate of Dubai, the traditions of the UAE society as well as the tourist, cultural and commercial landmarks of the emirate. Al Mazyoodi Band made Yawla dance which was well received by the attendants. Events also included sand drawing of several Dubai tourist attraction landmarks, RTA logo and the logo of the 59th UITP World Congress & Exhibition “Dubai 2011”.Afterwards, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, together with H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria, accompanied chief guests of the closing ceremony to RTA stand at the Exhibition; where they were served with popular UAE cuisine and Arabian coffee. The guests attended a video presentation about the experiment of the RTA in developing mass transit systems covering metro, tram, marine transport and public buses as well as road projects and modern traffic technologies.At the end of the event, Al Tayer presented trophies to H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E. Roberto Cavalieri, the outgoing UITP President whose term has ended with the current term, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, H.E Elain Flausch the new President of UITP and the representative of Vienna Government.

RTA Transition Towards Mass Transit Presented To The 58th UITP Congress

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), headed RTA delegation taking part in 58th International Union of Public Transport (UITP) Congress and the accompanying City Transport Exhibition held at the Austrian capital Vienna under the theme “Public Transport: Making the Right Mobility Choices. The Congress attracted participation from around 4000 exhibitors/participants hailing from 35 countries. RTA has a large stand to share with the participants and visitors its experiment in developing mass transit systems spanning metro, tram, marine transport, public transport buses, road projects, and modern traffic technologies.
In a press conference held yesterday attended by a considerable numbers of media representatives and executives of companies taking part in the Exhibition, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer said: “The sharp vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, enabled Dubai to thrive at a rate higher than any city in the region. It turned Dubai into a creative city with innovative investment projects spanning airports, ports, and rail & transport systems in addition to landmark property projects such The Palm islands, The World, and Burj Dubai; all of which boast a stunning & magnificent design. Over the last decade, Dubai made unprecedented development strides across the region as demonstrated in the complete overhaul of the infrastructure, building of modern roads across the city, constructing high rises, uplifting Dubai International Airport to world-class standards, and constructing free industrial zones in addition to the provision of communication, internet & media services.
Al Tayer added: “The huge progress made by Dubai was paralleled with an equal growth in the number of vehicles used; triggering traffic bottlenecks. RTA prepared legislations and developed integrated solutions for road systems as well as surface & marine transport network; which are safe to use, and in line with the economic development plans of the emirate of Dubai and the highest global standards. Implementation of this plan contributed to a host of achievements such as the drop in traffic mortality rates from 24 cases per 100,000 of population to 17 cases (26%), drop in the worth of time wasted as a result of traffic congestion from 5.9 billion dirham to 4 billion dirham (32%), an increase in the number of lanes crossing Dubai Creek from 19 to 48 lanes (153%), an increase in the number of lanes of key roads from 36 lanes to 66 lanes (83%), and improved traffic flow on major roads by 30%.
Al Tayer went further to say: “The main challenge facing RTA is the limited use of mass transit modes which is as low as 6%, whereas the share of public transport modes in advanced countries ranges from 40% to 80%. Therefore RTA worked out a comprehensive plan to upgrade mass transit sector with a view to pushing its share in person trips made up to 30% through extensive expansion of public transport systems. Projects undertaken to achieve this objective include Dubai Metro; which expands 75 km and comprises 47 stations, Sufouh Tram Project extending 14 km and covering 19 stations, beefing-up public transport bus fleet to 2100 by mid of 2010 covering a network of 3000 km long. The plan also envisages construction of 1000 air-conditioned bus shelters for public transport users offering them comfort to lure them toward the use of public buses. RTA also launched several initiatives to boost the transition towards public transport such as Sharekni and Awselni, in addition to introducing Journey Planner program (Wojhati), provision of maps showing route path at stations as well as internal & external bus display monitors, and re-routing bus lines to serve the major spots and provide feeder services to Dubai Metro Stations”.
In his speech Mattar Al Tayer spoke about RTA plan to upgrade marine transport mode and threw some light on Creek lines operation, the Coastal Line along Jumeirah Beach and the vital line linking with man-made island projects. “Marine transport network is set to expand from 20 km to more than 450 km to serve waterfront projects, and property islands which have a coastal line stretching more than 1700 km. RTA operated the Water Bus, improved abra services, and embarked on a trial run of natural gas-powered abras. Additionally, RTA is currently undertaking two vital marine projects; operation of about 20 ferries with a capacity to load 120 passengers each, and 10 Water Taxis with a capacity of 7 passengers each”. Al Tayer commented on the environment conservation through public transport by saying: “All the new public transport buses are fitted with Euro 4 environment-friendly technologies, and we kicked off the trial run of gas-powered abras as part of the drive to make marine transport modes, including the water taxi and Ferry Dubai, environment-friendly. Work is up and running in the trial run of hybrid taxis and introducing green building concepts in transport stations and buildings”.
Exhibition Tour
The Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA H.E. Mattar Al Tayer made a tour of the exhibition accompanied with Roberto Cavalier Chairman of the International Union of Public Transport (UITP), Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of Marine Agency, Essa Al Dossari, CEO of Public Transport Agency, Abdul Aziz Malik CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation, Naser Hamad Bu Shihab Director of Strategic Planning Dep’t, and Peyman Younes Parham Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication Dep’t.
During the tour of the specialized companies and factories participating in the exhibition accompanying the Congress, Al Tayer reviewed the latest technologies used in the driverless trains and trams, and checked the latest trends in constructing, manufacturing, operating and maintaining rail systems, and also reviewed the new generation of public buses fitted with environment-friendly engines. In one of the stands Al Tayer viewed a modern system, which is being introduced by Public Transport Agency on several buses enabling the Agency to track bus movements, measure driver efficiency and fix bus maintenance schedules, and the system is set to be generalized to all public buses by the mid of 2010. Al Tayer also viewed high-tech unified fare collections cards used for buses, trains, and marine transport modes as well as paid parking zones. At the sidelines of the tour, Al Tayer met with several key executives of companies operating in rail and transport system industry.