#PROJECT: DUBAI ROADS AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT

[bizzybonita]

Main Dubai road to close for 8 hours

on Wednesday, 30 July 2008
ROAD CLOSED: Part of Sheikh Zayed Road will close on Friday for construction work. (Getty Images)Part of Sheikh Zayed Road from Interchanges 7 to 9 will be closed due to construction work on Friday August 1.

The road will be closed from 2am to 10am and traffic will be diverted on the other side of the highway making it a two-way-road. Police will be present on the spot to control traffic on Dubai's busiest highway, UAE daily Gulf News reported on Wednesday.

"One side of the road in the direction of Abu Dhabi will be shut due to construction work for a pedestrian bridge for the Jebel Ali Industrial Area Metro Station," said Adel Al Marzouqi, Director of Rights of Way Services Department at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) told the paper.

According to the Dubai Metro masterplan, each of the 47 stations will have pedestrian crossings linking station on both sides of the roads. Shaikh Zayed Road will have a total of 19 overhead pedestrian crossings to help passengers and public cross the busy highway.

[LoverOfDubai]

I just thought I would let everyone know that there is a thread for general public transportation in Dubai (Dubai: Public transportation developments). Not very many people that usually post here (and in other Dubai-related threads) post there.

Also, I would like to make a request. If anyone in Dubai sees the new Neoplan Centroliner DD on Dubai's roads, can you please taken some pictures (only if it is safe to do so; please do not take pictures while driving!). You can see the new buses here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...2#post23512972. I am not sure if they have started operating on routes, or even if they have been shipped to Dubai yet. Please keep your eyes open. Thanks.

[AltinD]

Haven't seen any of them yet.

[LoverOfDubai]

Originally Posted by smussuw

I've made up my mind that I'll try riding buses when I go back from my trip.

So, Smussuw... You are back, right? Have you ridden the bus yet?

[LoverOfDubai]

Originally Posted by AltinD

Haven't seen any of them yet.

Thanks AltinD. I just read that the buses will not be on the streets until September. But, they are already in Dubai since Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inspected them.




Maktoum bin Mohammed Inaugurates the Pilot Operation of Hybrid Cars and Inspects Double Decker Buses
4 June 2008

Dubai - UAE

10 Environment– Friendly Cars Join Dubai Taxi Fleet

Al Tayer: 100 Individuals Completed Training on Hybrid Cars

Agreements are made with Toyota, Honda & Ford to Operate Hybrid Cars

HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated pilot operation of ten hybrid environment friendly vehicles, brand Chevrolet Taho and Chevrolet Malibu the first ever of its kind in the Middle East. HH also inaugurated the new public transport Double Deck buses, fitted with Euro 4 engines conforming to the global environmental standards & the unique I-Shift transmission system, advanced braking systems and electronic stability systems (ESP). This experiment has been carried out in implementation of the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide a clean, attractive and sustainable environment that can boos the image and profile of Dubai. It also reflects the commitment of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) to preserve lives and properties, environment & natural wealth as well as improve occupational health & public safety, and use necessary technology to suppress noise levels resulting from transport modes.



Content removed since most of it does not relate to buses and it is very long and no one is going to read it anyway.



Double Decker Buses

HH also inspected the new double decker buses which are part of a contract to purchase 620 buses including 170 double deck buses from MAN Co. These buses are compatible with the environmental requirements, thanks to their Euro 4 engines fitted with recycling gas emissions and the unique I-Shift transmission system, advanced braking systems and electronic stability systems (ESP); a matter which renders driving a convenient and safe to passengers, besides their fuel efficiency.

HH inspected the bus which has unique services such as wireless internet, fax and telephone services, display monitors, and toilets. The buses have low floor to ease the movement of special need persons and are of the highest standards in terms of wide & comfortable seats, designated air-conditioning outlet for each seat and the possibility of realigning the seat to fit with each passenger.

Al Tayer further revealed that RTA will operate 15 Double Decker buses on Dubai – Sharjah Road in next September such that the number will hit 70 buses over the coming months. This will upgrade the level of service on this line which is subject of an increasing demand; thanks to the increasing number of commuters between the two emirates.

At the end of the tour, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed drove a Tahoe hybrid car marking inauguration of experimental operation of hybrid cars in the roads of the emirate of Dubai.

http://dtc.dubai.ae/en.portal?dtcabo...pageLabel=view

[AltinD]

It says that the buses will be operated on Dubai - Sharjah route so I might not have a chance to see them, unless they start from Bur Dubai Bus stop and drive through Bur Dubai to either Al Maktoum or Garhoud Bridge instead of crossing the Creek from the nearby Al Shindagha tunnel.

[LoverOfDubai]

I am not very familiar with the streets (and government agencies) in Dubai so please excuse me if I say something completely incorrect.

The article said "Dubai - Sharjah Road," but you said "Dubai - Sharjah route." Isn't the Dubai - Sharjah Road the same as Al Ittihad Road? Although Al Ittihad Road does go into Sharjah, I do not think these buses will. The RTA only recently launched bus service to Sharjah, and I think they did it relunctantly (as the RTA is the transport agency of Dubai and they probably do not want to waste Dubai's money on Sharjah).

Also, I would assume that all transport agencies take pride in their own double-decker buses (and this especially applies to the RTA as these buses (Neoplan Centoliner DD Dubai) were made specifically for Dubai). The RTA would want to use them on the routes that stay in the city, where they will be seen by the most people, and probably on the busiest routes so that the buses are not empty (meaning they do not turn out to be a waste of money).

As for the exact route(s) on which the double-decker buses will operate: If the buses do mainly run on the Deira side, but go to the bus station in Bur Dubai (Al Ghubaiba Bus Station), they will probably use Al Maktoum Bridge. Most bus routes which travel between Bur Dubai and Deira use Al Maktoum Bridge (2 use Al Garhoud Bridge, 12 use Al Shindagha Tunnel and 17 use Al Maktoum Bridge (route map)). I am not sure how big Al Shindagha Tunnel is, but would a double-decker bus even fit? The buses are 4.5 metres (15 feet) high.

Also, the article mentions that only 15 double-decker buses will be in service in September. Once all 170 double-decker buses are delivered and running on Dubai's streets will you see more of them, even possibly near where you live (in Bur Dubai, right?)


AltinD, one more thing... I want to say thank you for your responses. When I post information related to public transport in Dubai (mainly about the bus system), I feel as though no one cares. I sometimes get the impression that no one reads what I have to say. I know that most people in Dubai do not use buses (and do not want to use them), but I feel as though I need to help provide the information to improve the status of public transportation in Dubai. I feel honoured that you took the time to respond to my messages and that you seem to care. Thanks.

[AltinD]

I have never used busses myself but I do live within the city proper and driving to and from work, or for going places, I do come in contact with buses frequently, plus since a kid I've always liked and was fascinated by them.

[LoverOfDubai]

AltinD, have you ever considered riding the bus? I understand it currently might not be worthwhile to take it all the way to your workplace, but you might want to try taking it to a cinema or a mall during your day off.

It would be better for you (rather than me) to advocate for the use of buses in Dubai. Many people on these forums probably do not listen to my requests for the use of public transport because I have never used the system myself and cannot see the problems that come along with the buses.

If you just took a bus for one day, I am sure people would listen to your comments. I know I will. Imre is the only person on these forums (that I am aware of) that has said they took the bus and reported back to us. Although he did take it a couple of times, he does not do it often and does not fully explain what the bus, the ride and the passengers were like.

You live close to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station. Most of the buses come through that station. This would allow you to choose from a wide variety of places to go. And do not forget that a bus ride only costs 2 dirhams (on all routes except 16 (7 dhs), 45 (free), 91 (4.5 dhs) and 91A (4.5 dhs)).

[LoverOfDubai]

There are two new bus routes in Dubai (C10 and X28). I posted the details at http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...0#post23680960.

[Julito-dubai]

When I was in Dubai I took the bus (can't rememer which no. it had, something with 'X') from Al Ghubaiba bus station to Dubai Marina. The buses were on the newest standard and much better than the ones we use at my hometown (which has the MAN factory and builds about 30 percent of all buses worldwide) and the price was extremely cheap as well. I think i paid 1 or 2 Dh for all the way to the Marina.

[AltinD]

Originally Posted by LoverOfDubai

AltinD, have you ever considered riding the bus? I understand it currently might not be worthwhile to take it all the way to your workplace, but you might want to try taking it to a cinema or a mall during your day off.

Buses no, but the Metro yes.

[LoverOfDubai]

Originally Posted by Julito-dubai

When I was in Dubai I took the bus (can't rememer which no. it had, something with 'X') from Al Ghubaiba bus station to Dubai Marina.

The only "X" route that goes to Dubai Marina is X25. But, it does not go to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station. It does come close, but does not go directly into it. Of course, a few routes could have changed since you were in Dubai.

Originally Posted by Julito-dubai

The buses were on the newest standard and much better than the ones we use at my hometown (which has the MAN factory and builds about 30 percent of all buses worldwide) and the price was extremely cheap as well.

So, would you recommend people to use the buses? Or would you say that the qualilty of service is poor?

Originally Posted by Julito-dubai

I think i paid 1 or 2 Dh for all the way to the Marina.

As of 1 July 2008, all Dubai buses cost 2 dirhams per ride. I believe different routes used to cost different amounts before the introduction of the "flat fare." Only four routes do not follow this new fare policy: Route 16 - 7 dirhams; Route 45 - FREE; Route 91 - 4 dirhams 50 fils; Route 91A - 4 dirhams 50 fils.

[LoverOfDubai]

Originally Posted by AltinD

Buses no, but the Metro yes.

Thanks AltinD for reading my comments and responding to them. While I do not necessarily agree with this comment of yours, I will respect your decision. Thanks.

[Julito-dubai]

I would definately recommend it. Although the metro would be much faster though. Nevertheless, it was a nice ride along Jumeriah Beach Road...

[AltinD]

Originally Posted by LoverOfDubai

Thanks AltinD for reading my comments and responding to them. While I do not necessarily agree with this comment of yours, I will respect your decision. Thanks.

It's all about convenience, and buses don't offer that to someone who already has a car and usually doesn't drive inside the city proper.

When I go back to my home country, I refuse to drive but I have no problem to take the bus if I can't walk the distance. Also in Vienna I preferred to take the underground instead of buses or trams, even if it meant I had to switch trains, as compared to a single ride with the bus or tram. It's simply faster and more convenient, comfortable.

[AltinD]

And here is exactly why we aren't interested on the buses as of now:



RTA says optimal use of public transport key to solving Dubai gridlock
By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter
Published: August 07, 2008, 23:59


Dubai: Optimal use of public transport is touted as the panacea for Dubai's worsening traffic woes. The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) is convinced it is the only long-term solution to end the constant traffic gridlock that causes economic losses to the tune of billions of dirhams.

Paid parking and new toll gates are being installed in the city to make life harder for car owners, encouraging them to leave their private vehicles behind in favour of public transport.

Car owners

But the call to use public transport seems to fall on deaf ears as the population of private car owners in Dubai continues to swell.

Why are people so reluctant? To find out, Gulf News took to the streets to do a reality check on the efficacy of the city's public transport system.

It was a nerve-wrecking experience to wait for cabs during peak hours and hop from one bus to another to reach a destination, an eye-opener to the difficulties faced by Dubai residents who do not own cars.

The omnipresent cream-coloured taxis were not so present when you needed them between 7am and 9am, or between 5pm and 8pm.

During these peak hours, you need real luck to attract the attention of cab drivers.

I was not so lucky while waiting in front of the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Shaikh Zayed Road and Lamcy Plaza. More than two hours, and I could still not find a cab to take me home. The number of passengers waiting always outnumbered the cabs that stopped, and at least half a dozen refused to pick up passengers.

There are hundreds who endure this every day, I realised. People who work in these areas said it was a daily ordeal for them.

However, contrary to many complaints from readers that cabs do not turn up even when booked in advance, the call-a-cab service by the RTA turned out to be a better option, except on one or two occasions.

Again, timing is crucial. A cab called behind Movenpick Hotel on Oud Metha Road at around 6pm was a disappointment. But at Fish Roundabout, Sun and Sands Building in Bur Dubai, and on Bank Street, busy as they are in the evening peak hours, cabs did turn up, although half an hour to an hour late.

I gave up on taxis, and tried the cheap transport of the common man, public buses. I spent an hour at the Satwa bus stop looking for information on bus routes and timings while the sun was scorching down. Buses were never on time, and arbitrary changes of routes and timings often leave passengers stranded, I found out.

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traff.../10235389.html

[LoverOfDubai]

Originally Posted by Julito-dubai

I would definately recommend it. Although the metro would be much faster though. Nevertheless, it was a nice ride along Jumeriah Beach Road...

Great to hear that, Julito-dubai!

[AltinD]

But the ride was nice because he had nothing else to do, he was a tourist. Different
story if you have to go somewhere or returning home after a long day at work.

When I return very late from office, sometimes I give lifts (to Dubai 40 kms away), to people waiting on the bus stops. The bus comes once every hour late at evening and makes the tour of all residential or office areas on the way, which turns an otherwise 30 minutes ride to 1.5 - 2 hours cruise (not including up to 1h waiting for the bus to arrive).

[LoverOfDubai]

I know I am getting on people's nerves and that I am now appearing to be a radical. But I do not understand how people can comment about how bad (or good) the buses are unless they do not ride it.

I know I have made a few pro-Dubai Bus comments, and I have scolded a few for their anti-Dubai Bus comments. I am sorry. But, I hope people will reserve judgement about the bus system until they try it themselves (I will try to do the same). I just hope people will take a test bus ride during one of their days off work to see what it is like.

I will try to not make any more comments about how good the bus system in Dubai is (until I actually ride a bus in Dubai). If I make a statement about the bus system as if I had ridden it before, please let me know so I can take back my comment(s). Thanks.