The Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA) outlined its Roads and Transport Plan for 2030, aimed at reshaping the city’s mobility landscape through a four-pillar framework, according to its press release. The new plan is set to enhance roads and public transportation, improve transport policy, and launch smart traffic systems. The strategy expands on the previously approved AED 16 bn infrastructure investment plan for 2024-2027.

#1- The first pillar focuses on developing road infrastructure through 39 projects that aim to improve key corridors. These upgrades include enhancing Latifa bint Hamdan Street, Hessa Street, Al Meydan Street, Al Mustaqbal Street, and the Trade Center Roundabout. Further improvements are planned for Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Qudra, Al Fay, and Al Safa Roads, with a particular focus on the stretch between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road.

REMEMBER- The RTA inked a AED 6 bn agreement with Dubai Holding last month to expand internal roads and access points across the emirate. The move looks to cut down travel time and boost the capacity of key entryways to communities and residential areas by 30-70%.

#2- The second pillar introduces measures to ease traffic congestion, including the introduction of flexible working hours, remote work policies, dedicated bus lanes, school transport reforms, dynamic toll and parking pricing, and stricter truck movement restrictions.

REMEMBER- A recent study showed that implementing flexible and remote work policies reduce morning peak commute times in Dubai by 30%. The RTA also greenlit constructing dedicated buses and taxi lanes spanning 13.1 km across six key streets in Dubai last year.

#3- The third pillar addresses upgrading existing public transport. The main steps planned to support that pillar include the AED 20.5 Dubai Metro Blue Line, carrying out feasibility studies for suspended transit systems, and improving the public bus network and marine transport infrastructure.

#4- The RTA also launched the study and design stage of the second phase of its Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) project as part of its fourth pillar in June 2024. The aim is to improve traffic incident response, emergency management, and the efficiency of signalized intersections.

ALSO- Dubai will launch a Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit to improve road safety for cyclists and e-scooter riders. The new unit, formed by the Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Police, will oversee traffic flow on designated bike lanes and enforce compliance with safety regulations. Officers will be stationed on major cycle paths and roads that link soft mobility zones.

Violations such as riding on public roads, reckless behavior, or not wearing safety gear could result in fines of up to AED 300, Khaleej Times reports. Current regulations mandate the use of designated lanes, prohibit carrying passengers or unbalanced loads, ban riding against traffic, and require riders to wear helmets and protective equipment.

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