More than 70 per cent of Abu Dhabi residents depend on taxis

Abu Dhabi is one of the rare cities in the world where more than 70 per cent of the residents depend on taxis for transportation.

It has created an impression that there is shortage of taxis even if there was enough supply of taxis since 2006, Khalid Saleh Al Rashedi, General Manager of TransAD told Gulf News on Sunday on the sidelines of a press conference to announce a reward for an honest taxi driver.

Only two among 10 people use taxis in modern cities but in Abu Dhabi eight among 10 people depend on taxis due to lack of mass transport systems like public buses, he said.

About 90 buses are equal to 1,200 taxis, said Quentin Fulljames Curtis, Transport Advisor at TransAD while referring to the introduction of 90 buses in the emirate this month by Department of Transport.

The officials said introduction of buses will reduce the complaints of shortage of taxis. "Buses will take away a large chunk of passengers from taxis," they said.

Although there was a plan to reduce the number of taxis in the emirate in 2006, about 50 per cent increase in population in the past two years jeopardised all plans, said Al Rashedi.

In 2006, the demand for taxis was estimated at 7,000 but now about 9,000 taxis in the emirate carry about million passengers a day. Out of more than 8,000 old taxis, only 790 were phased out.

"At the end of this month the fleet of new taxis will become 2000", he added.

/Gulf News/

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Department of Transport announces Strategic Plan (2008-2012)

The Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi announced today its five-year strategic plan (2008-2012) covering its four sectors: aviation; maritime; public transport and highways. The plan is in realization of the forward-looking and comprehensive vision of President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and under the guidance and direction of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The five-year strategic plan (2008-2012) of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport comes in accordance with the Government of Abu Dhabi "Policy Agenda 2007-2008", and the Department’s vision to deliver an effective transport system that contributes to the economic growth, quality of life and environmental sustainability of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through the integration of all modes of transport, and aligning it with the future needs of the population growth and urban expansion planned in the major initiative of the Government of Abu Dhabi through the Urban Planning Council (UPC) known as "Abu Dhabi Plan 2030".

In realization of its vision and goals, the Department of Transport is developing a comprehensive transport master plan that will meet the people’s and the economy’s mobility needs throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi over the next quarter century. In pursuit of the achievement of one of the best transport systems and infrastructures in the World, the Department of Transport ensures close cooperation with all its stakeholders and strategic partners such as the Urban Planning Council (UPC), Municipalities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, the Western Region, the Environment Agency and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As well as engaging with developers and operators in the private sector to privatize transport services.

Commenting on the announcement of the strategic plan, H. E. Abdulla Rashid Al Otaiba, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport said: "The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is currently witnessing unprecedented growth in the economic, industrial and tourism sectors, which need to be supported by a strong and modern transport infrastructure that can sustain the growing needs of the Emirate."

Due to the central role that transport occupies in supporting and sustaining growth and advancement, the Department of Transport has set out priorities for itself as well as its four sectors. Those priorities come in full conformity with the Government of Abu Dhabi strategy following global best practice, proper allocation of responsibilities, transparency, information sharing, environmental sustainability, safety, security and career development of UAE nationals, all in pursuit of a comfortable, fast and reliable transport network in and between the cities and suburbs of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Department of Transport strategy revolves around the integration between all sectors of transport, planning in accordance with government plans, health, safety and environment (HSE) management, guaranteeing information flow through clear communication mechanisms with partners, development of operations and infrastructure of Information Technology. Also, to invest in human resources and Emaratization through the training and development of UAE nationals in all sectors.

In addition, the Department of Transport priorities are:

*The overall planning and performance management to ensure full integration between the general policies of transport and the strategic planning and goals of the transport master plan.

*The expansion of the air transport network to-and-from Abu Dhabi in support of the aviation industry’s growth through the implementation of the Open Skies policy to assist the growth of Abu Dhabi International Airport and Etihad Airways and other Abu Dhabi-based airlines. Strategic Planning to build integrated seaports following the highest global standards; manage and organize waterways in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through regulations. Khalifa Port being developed at Taweela is one of the most important pillars of the maritime sector as it will allow for the future handling of 80 million tones, in addition to the state-of-the-art industrial zone attached to it.

* The promotion of public transport through offering new public transport solutions to connect Abu Dhabi and its suburbs to other parts of the Emirate utilizing long-reaching public transport modes such as railways and public buses.

* The implementation of global best practice in the development, expansion and maintenance of highways and its infrastructure to ensure the highest standards of safety, security through Public Private Partnerships (PPP).

* The priorities of the aviation sector are overseeing the quality of passenger, cargo and airline services offered at the airport through commitment to the highest service standards and the protection of public interest. Also, the expansion of the air transport coverage and network through the implementation of the "Open Skies" policy between Abu Dhabi and international tourist and business destinations.

In addition to the support of safety and security as well as the endorsement of airport development plans to ensure integration with other transport sectors.

The priorities of the Maritime Sector are to issue economic, safety, security and environment regulations to ensure efficiency at sea ports in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and to regulate the waterways of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in environmental sustainability and integration with other sectors. In addition to the integration of the seaport master plan with other modes of transport plans.

The priorities of the Public Transport Sector covers the regulation of public transport in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to support the efficiency of this sector and the development of transport services, the connection of all cities, suburbs and regions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and ensuring customer satisfaction through aligning public transport services with urban expansion and population growth. Also, to minimize the negative environmental effects of public transport through the utilization of alternative environment-friendly and clean energy sources.

The priorities of the Highways Sector are the extension of the highways network throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to cope with current and future urban expansion and population growth. The expansion and maintenance of the highway network to ensure seamless travel and the continuity of the highways network quality and effectiveness while implementing and following global best practice in all areas of activity.

The Department of Transport was established pursuant to Law No. 4 of 2006 to cover the entire value chain and ensure fully coordinated planning in all aspects of transport policy and development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in cooperation with all relevant local, regional and international stakeholders and partners.

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Abu Dhabi to get Metro 'within seven years'

A light rail network will be up and running in Abu Dhabi within seven years, supported by a fast rail link between the capital and Dubai, an official said on Monday.

General manager of the Urban Planning Council Falah Al-Ahbabi said a predicted growth of population in the capital to more than three million meant could not be sustained on private cars alone, and that the city would have its own metro by 2015, reported UAE daily The National.

“We know the urgency of this, and know the demand coming in future. We want to see this up and running, and it is a must to see it up and running within seven years,” he told the newspaper.

“What I can say is this is definitely going to happen,” he said.

According to Al-Ahbabi, a report due by the end of the year would detail the new system with work on a new railway line also beginning shortly afterwards.

“We have to decide on the routes, and whether it is going to be overground or underground, or both,” Al-Ahbabi said, adding that a private sector contractor would be sought to build the system once the report was finished.

The announcement comes days after Dubai said it would launch its first tram system, a 14 kilometre network connecting key locations within the city.

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The modernisation of 327-kilometre highway - only a part from a surface transport masterplan

Abu Dhabi is considering plans to use a private-public-partnership for the modernisation of the 327-kilometre highway linking Mafraq to Ghweifat in the west of the emirate as part of a surface transport masterplan.

John Lee, highways and transport planning advisor at Abu Dhabi's Department of Transport told MEED's Middle East Road Infrastructure conference in Dubai on 30 March that the project will cost about $2bn.

The initial plans, which require the approval of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, call for a long-term contract to be awarded. The winning consortium will receive payments based on performance, including lane availability, maintenance and safety.

"Our preliminary analysis shows that we will save at least AED4bn ($1.1bn), primarily by avoiding cost over-runs," Lee said.

The contract could be followed by similar deals for the Abu Dhabi-Dubai road corridor, the Abu Dhabi to Al-Ain highway, and the entire Western region corridor.

Lee said that Abu Dhabi has rejected tolling as a way of paying for its PPP road projects. "To get tolling to pay most of the cost of highways would take too long," Lee said. "There is resistance to tolling in Abu Dhabi. And to make the project work, we want to take the traffic risk away from the operator."

Lee said the plan also calls for a highway concession law. "We believe there needs to be clarity and the law will also give comfort to bidders." MEED

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Abu Dhabi's new taxis to be fitted with State-of-art tracking systems

As part of its strategy to improve the transportation system in the Emirate to meet international standards, The Center for Regulation of Transport by Hire cars (Trans AD) announced the implementation of tracking and dispatch system on a sample of cars for testing before the final launch in next few months.

This was announced during a press roundtable held by TransAD to update the media on the latest developments. TransAD also announced their plan to withdraw more than 4000 old taxis before the end of 2008.

TransAD announced that inspectors will be sent out periodically to ensure that drivers and operators are abiding by the laws and living up to the new standards as set by TransAD. To enforce the act, operators and drivers get audited and those who violate the law will be penalized and fined by TransAD.

Khaled Saleh Al Rashedi, General Manager of TransAD, stated during the press meeting that the Center started issuing beneficiary Certificates for releasing the compensation fund which will be AED 1000 per month per license for a period of 25 years, as stipulated by the law. This compensation shall be remitted by those who carry old licenses on the 25th of every month at the National Bank of Abu Dhabi.

Al Rashedi also declared that the cars will be equipped with a new state-of-art tracking and dispatch device provided by CERT InfoTrack, a UAE company specialized in developing these kinds of solutions. The device will include many useful features such as detailed maps of UAE, an electronic meter, a database recording system and will be able to accept payments through Credit Cards in foreseeable future. The dispatching services will be offered to public through a Call Centre, which will be accessible 24/7/365.

Dr. Robert Richards, CEO of CERT commented on this topic: "CERT is currently testing the system on some of the new cars and will be installing them on all cars in the next few months as per the roll-out plan of TransAD for customers to reserve their taxis. One central telephone number for all hire car companies will be in place, in addition to individual numbers for each of them".

Trans AD also confirmed that all taxi drivers are required to attend comprehensive training sessions and courses from the Emirates Driving School, which include geographical information about the Emirate, regulations governing taxi services and road traffic laws.

TransAD has already introduced a telephone number for any comments, 600 53 53 53, for the general public - encouraging people to call and give their input or feedback regarding any relevant matter. Mr. Al Rashedi stressed the importance of public participation in the development process and urged everyone to call and make a difference. (WAM)

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President issues amendments to the transportation law in Abu Dhabi

President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as the ruler of Abu Dhabi emirate, has issued a law making amendments to law No.4 for year 2006 regulating the Department of Transport.

The first article of the law added to the existing law, a new set of terms and general definitions.

Article two of the amendment law made changes to articles 2, 3 and 4 of the law No.4 for year 2006.

According to the amendment, the Department of Transport will be responsible for the economic supervision and control of the aviation sector, ports and airports, infrastructure, land and marine transport services and general transport as per the legislations prevailing in the emirate and the country.

Article three of the amendment law specifies the responsibility of the Department of Transport in achieving high standards of safety, security, environmental protection and economic growth with regard to air, sea and land transport in the emirate.

Article four of the amendment law delineates the prerogatives of the Department of Transport and specifies them in 22 sections, which include evolving of the general transport strategy, implementation of the emirate's air, land and sea transport policy, making recommendations to the government on setting up corporations in the related sector, recommendations on legislations, privatisation and tariffs, cooperation with international maritime organisations, monitoring and control of the shipping movements and container traffic, among other. (WAM)

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Abu Dhabi Motors records highest Middle East growth for BMW Group

Abu Dhabi Motors, exclusive importer of BMW, MINI and Rolls- Royce in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, announced its highest sales ever in 2007 with a 36% increase over 2006, the highest year-on-year growth in the Middle East for BMW Group, achieving 2,561 unit sales in comparison to last year's 1,890 units.

This positions Abu Dhabi Motors in second place in the Middle East for BMW Group sales, outselling local competitors to become the highest selling luxury car importer in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

The double digit growth was due in large part to the introduction of several new models, including the all new BMW X5 Sport Activity Vehicle, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible, featuring a retractable hard top, and the new MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S and MINI Clubman.

'The past year was the best on record for Abu Dhabi Motors, reaching a peak in both sales and customer satisfaction ratings,' added Husselmann. 'Our premium offerings in terms of vehicle options and after-sales packages are paying dividends.'

Other models contributing to the growth were the BMW 5, 6, and 7 Series, M-models, as well as the ALPINA B6, B5 and B7. February will see the arrival of the M3-performance matching 360bhp BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo, which accelerates from 0 - 100km/h in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 285 km/h.

'The company also had the highest selling BMW sales representative in the Middle East in Moutaz Louis, who sold a total of 833 vehicles throughout 2007 - a record for Abu Dhabi Motors.

'In addition, Abu Dhabi Motors ranked highest in customer satisfaction ratings amongst BMW exclusive dealers in the UAE, which is measured by crm Middle East. This can largely be attributed to our unique customer offerings, such as BMW Service Inclusive + Repairs, offered exclusively by Abu Dhabi Motors as standard on all our vehicles,' continued Husselmann.

2007 also saw Abu Dhabi Motors become the sole distributor of AC Schnitzer BMW and MINI vehicles in the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain areas, starting with the offering of the M6-based 552 bhp AC Schnitzer TENSION Street Version, with a top speed of 331.7km/h achieved at the Nardo test track in Italy.

'Acquiring the AC Schnitzer business was a strong boost for Abu Dhabi Motors; it is a testament to the quality of service that we provide our customers. As a premium tuner, AC Schnitzer performance vehicles need an importer with a proven track record of not only sales, but customer service as well,' explained Husselmann.

'The coming year will prove to be a very busy one, with the introduction of several new models from BMW and MINI. Leading the charge will be the eagerly anticipated BMW X6, the first Sports Activity Coupe for the premium luxury market, and at the end of the year the brand new 7 Series, in addition to the M3 Sedan and Convertible, the new 1 Series Convertible and Coupe, as well as the MINI Clubman. It is not a matter of which car, but rather which Rolls-Royce, BMW or MINI model will please you most.

Last year, Abu Dhabi Motors also achieved the third highest sales volume worldwide for Rolls-Royce, with more than 100% growth in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and the highest sales volume in the Middle East, placing Abu Dhabi third behind only Beverly Hills and London. (AME Info)

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Truck drivers violating laws face deportation

Heavy vehicle drivers who choose to ignore traffic laws will be deported from the country, an official has warned.

Colonel Humaid Odail Al Shamsi, director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), said that truck drivers who fail to properly load materials like debris, sand, and gravels they are transporting will face deportation, while their vehicles will be seized for a month.

The official also clarified that if drivers of heavy vehicles rented by contracting firms are found guilty of violating traffic rules, the owning transport companies have the right to sue the contracting companies and claim compensation for the damages.

Col. Al Shamsi made this statement prior to launching an intensive inspection campaign of heavy vehicles plying on the roads in Abu Dhabi emirate. The campaign is scheduled to kick off today (Thursday).

Brigadier Nasser Al Nuaimi, director general of MoI office, said an administrative order to this effect would be enforced with effect from today.

As part of the campaign, Abu Dhabi Police started deploying traffic patrols on highways, internal roads, exits and entry points of the capital as well as in Al Ain city. Source

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65-kilometre bridge across the Gulf linking Abu Dhabi with Qatar

A proposed causeway linking the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, with Doha in Qatar may cost about $13 billion, London-based Middle East Economic Digest (Meed) magazine reported, citing a consultant that could be involved in the project.

Mohammed Ali, regional adviser with Denmark's Cowi, said the the latest design envisages linking the two cities via a 65-kilometre bridge across the Gulf, Meed said.

Cowi is likely to be involved in the project as a consultant. It is already involved in a project to build a causeway between Qatar and Bahrain, Meed said.
The original design for the UAE-Qatar causeway, which was first developed six years ago, was for a 40-kilometre link. This was changed due to difficulties with the route, which ran through Saudi Arabian territorial waters, Meed said.

No date has been set for construction to start, the magazine reported on its website. (Reuters)

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TransAD to monitor all old taxis in the Emirate

In line with its strategy to improve the quality of hire car services in Abu Dhabi, TransAD is initiating the necessary steps to integrate old taxis into the new numbering scheme and include them under TransAD's monitoring system.

This development is further implementation of law #19 of 2006, which involves placing all responsibilities concerning transport by hire cars under TransAD's management.

More than 3000 old taxis were numbered in the last few weeks in the same way as the new taxis and they were incorporated under the center's monitoring system. The new toll-free number 600 53 53 53 has now been posted on the rear of each of the old taxis.

Commenting on this development, His Excellency Khalid Saleh Al Rashedi, General Manager of TransAD said that the center is working hard on improving the scheme of all hire cars within the Emirate to meet international standards. He also stressed that TransAD is currently planning more initiatives to better organize the quality of service provided by this sector. Mr. Al Rashedi encourages people to use the hotline to lodge any kind of comments concerning both old and new taxis and guarantees that the proper action will be carried out.

All enquiries will be dealt with by a team of trained professionals and newly appointed investigators who will monitor all further implementation of the law and investigate all received comments.

TransAD confirms their commitment and effort towards laying down the necessary strategies, policies, rules and regulations which will enhance and implement the law for hire car transportation. (AME)

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