Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Principal Pathway Partner of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), has revealed its detailed strategy to ensure smooth transportation for delegates and visitors attending the conference. RTA has collaborated closely with the Office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change of the UAE and Expo City Dubai to develop this comprehensive plan. COP28, a prestigious international gathering, is set to occur at Expo City Dubai from November 30th to December 12th.
As an integral component of the strategy, RTA will deliver transportation solutions within the Blue Zone for official delegations, the Green Zone for business and public representatives, and the 18th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY18) participants. Furthermore, RTA will ensure the availability of eco-friendly transportation options for reaching the venue and will facilitate seamless movement within the premises.
RTA highlighted its dedication to guaranteeing the triumph of this worldwide occasion, which will further solidify the UAE’s role as a frontrunner in climate preservation. Through its active involvement in the event and the careful formulation of a comprehensive transportation plan, RTA showcases its eagerness to uphold sustainability endeavors and support the UAE’s environmental protection initiatives.
Read more: Free passes to Expo City Dubai for public to access COP28 Green Zone activities
Technical plans for mobility management
Through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders, RTA has developed detailed technical strategies to efficiently manage mobility during the event. These plans incorporate the utilization of diverse transportation modes including the Dubai Metro, Dubai Bus, and on-site taxis. The focus of these plans is to effectively manage and allocate service points, as well as regulate traffic movement on the roads and intersections surrounding the event site. Furthermore, alternative approaches have been devised to tackle potential traffic congestion scenarios, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow throughout the entirety of the event.
As part of its proactive commitment to promote climate action and minimize emissions, RTA has launched a dedicated special edition of ‘nol’ cards for delegates attending COP28. This innovative initiative aims to incentivize and streamline the utilization of public transportation in Dubai by providing complimentary access throughout the duration of the conference.
Metro timings
COP28 participants can conveniently reach the venue by utilising the Dubai Metro, with the designated Expo 2020 Metro Station serving as the primary access point. Recognised as the most environmentally sustainable option, the Dubai Metro offers the easiest and efficient means of transportation to the event.
In support of COP28, RTA has extended the Metro operating hours, ensuring service from 5:00 am to 1:00 am the following day throughout the conference days. For added convenience, participants utilising public transport can benefit from free multi-level car parking facilities at stations such as Centrepoint, Etisalat by e&, and Jebel Ali Station. This will further encourage the use of public transportation and enhance the accessibility of the event for attendees.
Buses and taxis
As part of the internal transit plan, RTA has implemented a fleet of 67 buses powered by biofuel, along with 10 electric buses, to cater to the transportation needs of visitors at four designated stops within Expo City Dubai. Moreover, RTA has introduced new bus routes specifically designed to transport conference delegates and organizers to important destinations such as JBR, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, and other significant areas across the emirate. This initiative ensures their mobility outside the operational hours of the metro, providing convenient transportation options beyond the established metro schedule.
Dubai’s transportation sector boasts a wide-ranging fleet, encompassing more than 10,000 hybrid taxis and 1,000 electric luxury vehicles. These eco-friendly vehicles are readily available for convenient hailing within Expo City Dubai, accessible through the Hala Taxi platform. Additionally, users seeking luxury vehicle services can choose from platforms such as Uber, Careem, and Yango. To ensure easy access, Expo City Dubai has established four designated ranks (stops) at strategic locations: Opportunity Gate, Mobility Gate, Sustainability Gate, and the Metro Gate. These stops facilitate seamless transportation options for visitors utilizing these vehicles.
To optimize navigation for visitors and participants, RTA has installed more than 100 directional road signs, offering clear and concise guidance to guide them to the conference site.
Zero-emissions
As part of its participation in the conference, RTA will be showcasing its key initiatives to protect the environment, including its Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy 2050, which will be presented in coordination with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment at the UAE pavilion’s Blue Zone. The presentation is set to highlight the key aspects of the strategy and promote the use of sustainable transportation methods.
RTA will have a dedicated stand in the Green Zone of the conference, providing participants with detailed insights into key projects. These projects include the ‘Self-Driving Transport Strategy,’ ‘Future Aerial Taxi Vertiports,’ ‘First and Last Mile Strategy,’ a range of mass transport and soft mobility solutions, sustainable transport initiatives, and the ‘Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy 2050.’ The stand aims to address participant inquiries and foster a deeper understanding of RTA’s innovative and sustainable transportation endeavours.
Youth and climate
During the 18th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY18), RTA will deliver a compelling visual presentation that specifically caters to young participants. This dedicated session will focus on critical subjects pertaining to eco-friendly commuting through public transportation and taxis. The presentation will shed light on innovative initiatives and strategies implemented by RTA to effectively reduce emissions from public transport buses and taxis in Dubai.
As a testament to its endorsement of youth-led climate initiatives, RTA has distributed complimentary pre-charged ‘Nol’ cards to young participants attending the conference. This gesture aims to inspire them to utilize public transportation in Dubai without any financial burden throughout the entirety of the Conference of Youth.
In a continued commitment to environmental awareness, RTA has extended a special invitation to COP28 participants and visitors, urging them to utilize public transportation when traveling to the conference venue at Expo City Dubai, aligning with the theme “Way To Go.” This initiative aims to inspire active engagement in climate protection by encouraging individuals to opt for public transportation, allowing them to enjoy the sights of Dubai while simultaneously contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. By promoting this sustainable approach, participants demonstrate their dedication to the conference’s objectives even before their arrival, fostering a collective commitment to environmental stewardship.
To facilitate the transportation of conference visitors, a convenient option is available for them to acquire a ‘Nol’ card and download the ‘S’hail’ app. These resources enable visitors to easily identify the most convenient and efficient routes for reaching the conference venue.
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