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The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has been active in the 62nd UITP World Congress & Exhibition held in Montreal, Canada from 15-17 May 2017 under the theme ‘Lead the Transition in Transport’. The RTA delivered two working papers during the event, which was attended by 2,500 persons hailing from 80 countries including 380 speakers. The accompanying exhibition, which featured the participation of 330 exhibitors from 30 countries, spanned an area of 25,000 square meters, and the event was covered by 100 press and media entities; rendering it one of the largest events in the history of the UITP.
Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, RTA’s Member of the Board of Executive Directors cum Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of UITP MENA Congress & Exhibition, reiterated RTA’s keenness to participate in this mega public transport event. The 3-day cosmopolitan event takes place biennially and attracts a wide participation of transport ministers, top executives, specialists, experts, legislators, decision makers, companies, institutions, and media members interested in this industry. The media interest is fueled by the keenness to reflect the latest technology and Innovations in this vital industry, which has become the backbone of the global economy and growth in various vital sectors.
“The United Arab Emirates in general and Dubai, in particular, have become a major attraction for entities that aspire to establish integrated mass transport networks such as metro, tram, public buses, marine transport and smart technologies in addition to operations control centres. Such facilities have become critical for providing safe, innovative and time-bound services capable of bringing happiness to people, especially mass transit users from different community segments,” explained Al Mulla.
Two Papers
Dr. Yousuf Al Ali, CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation, presented in a working paper entitled ‘Revolution of Taxi Industry in Dubai’ highlighting several taxi-related aspects including taxis riders in Dubai.
Al Ali reviewed the history and evolution of taxi transport in Dubai, benchmarking it to several leading international cities such as Melbourne, New York, London, Seoul, Singapore and Hong Kong. He outlined the different evolution phases of the DTC and its fleet, which has hit 5090 cabs driven by 11,000 drivers deployed on shifts basis. The operational rate of taxicabs has hit 98.4% customers’ satisfaction rating clocked 81% while cabbies satisfaction rating is in the range of 79.4%.
RTA made a second work paper in the conference delivered by Basel Ibrahim Saad, Director of Buses, RTA Public Transport Agency entitled (Innovation as a Comprehensive Strategy: Fostering the Culture of Excellence, Quality and Innovation for Transport, the Case of Dubai). Saad reviewed three key drivers in the paper namely: Innovation in the RTA, Innovation Strategy and Innovation Applications.
He also touched on other key aspects such as innovation in environmental sustainability as well as sustainability of energy resources in RTA & public transport facilities and the technologies used in the control of transit means. He also recapped several sustainability initiatives such as the electric abra, LED lights, hybrid taxi, metro & tram networks, CNG-powered buses, and electric buses among other sustainability initiatives.
Sponsoring Hackathon
During the official opening of the 62nd UITP World Congress & Exhibition, the finals of Public Transport Hackathon was organized under the sponsorship of RTA in Dubai. Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla presented trophies to the winners where Saeed Ishaaq (from Public Transport Agency and Member of UAE Hackathon team) finished third out of 37 competitors from 22 different cities all over the world.
RTA delegation comprised Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, RTA Member of the Board of Executive Directors & Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of UITP MENA Congress & Exhibition; Dr. Yousef Al Ali, CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation; Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, CEO of Public Transport Agency; and Abdul Aziz Malek, Advisor at Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector. It also included Basel Ibrahim Saad, Director of Buses, RTA Public Transport Agency; Ms. Rowda Al Mahrazi, Deputy Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication cum Senior Manager of Corporate Identity & Social Responsibility Section at RTA, and several RTA staff members.
RTA delegation visited the exhibition and reviewed the latest technological advancements of public transport such as driverless vehicles, environment-friendly buses, hybrid buses, bikes and the smart infrastructure based on renewable energy.
The delegation also met with HE Denis Corderre, Mayor of Montreal city, and HE Luc Tremblay, Director General of Société de transport de Montréal where RTA visitors reviewed the latest public transport projects undertaken by the Canadian Montreal city. They also met with HE Aaraf Salem, Deputy Mayor of Montreal city, Dr. Frank Mentrup, Mayor of the German Karlsruhe city, and several officials of Transport for London (TfL). During these meetings, the delegation discussed issues of common interest, especially those relating to the infrastructure of public transport and modern, smart technologies in use.
RTA delegation also took part in the regular meeting of the Higher Organizing Committee for Hosting UITP MENA Congress & Exhibition to discuss logistical preparations, select speakers, endorse the logo and other marketing aspects. Data & indicators of the selected cities have been compiled and analysed, relevant reports have been prepared, and recommendations & provisional results have been announced during the UITP World Congress & Exhibition – May 2017 currently held in Montreal. The indicators will continue to be updated periodically by the UITP.
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