Will Muroor Road be a car park by 2020? Will a visit to Marina Mall on a Friday mean an hour of maddening traffic? No one knows precisely what the future holds for Abu Dhabi’s transport network. But one thing is certain: there will be more cars unless steps are taken today.<\/p>\n
The reason? More people. In September, it was announced that Abu Dhabi government employees must reside in the emirate by next year, a move that will increase the city’s residents by at least 10,000 people. There is little doubt that they will be arriving by car.<\/p>\n
In the long term, more people doesn’t necessarily mean greater gridlock. Wider roads and infrastructure improvements are in the works for a more efficient road network. The Sheikh Zayed Tunnel under Salam Street, new this month, has already eased congestion in some areas.<\/p>\n
Planned public transportation projects – including a metro, light rail and a rapid-transit bus loop – should encourage people to leave their cars at home. Soon it could be faster to take public transport than to drive, search for parking spot and walk to your destination.<\/p>\n
But the rail networks will take time. Ground won’t be broken on Abu Dhabi’s metro until at least 2015. And it won’t be until 2018 that the light-rail system will be up and running. While the Department of Transportation believes that by 2030, as many as 823,000 people will take public transit daily – removing 100,000 cars from the northern tip of the island in the process – 18 years is a long time to sit in a traffic jam.<\/p>\n
So short to midterm solutions are essential. City buses – which have already changed the commuting habits of many residents – are the place to start. In the past few years, the bus network has eased congestion, improved urban life and saved on household transport budgets, which is a particular benefit to lower-income residents.<\/p>\n
More could be done. Dedicated bus lanes on wider roads could encourage motorists to give up their cars after they watch coaches pass them by. Car-pool lanes and ride-share programs are other ideas. Bicycle lanes could encourage commuters to choose a healthy alternative, provided they did not risk life and limb in the process.<\/p>\n
At present, driving is easy, parking is plentiful and petrol is cheap. Most motorists don’t even consider alternatives. Until that changes, we’re all stuck in the same spot.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Will Muroor Road be a car park by 2020? Will a visit to Marina Mall on a Friday mean an hour of maddening traffic? No one knows precisely what the future holds for Abu Dhabi’s transport network. But one thing is certain: there will be more cars unless steps are taken today. The reason? More …<\/p>\n