Air-con walkways aim to reduce vehicle use

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AIR-CON BOOST: The new air-conditioned crossings and subways will add to the bus stops already established around Dubai. (Getty Images)

A network of air-conditioned crossings and subways is being planned in Dubai in a bid to encourage people to walk more.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled proposals to promote the culture of short-distant walking in preference to using vehicles.

Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, CEO of RTA Strategy and Corporate Support Services, said: “The piloted network of air-conditioned crossings and subways, which is the first of its kind in the Gulf area, will cover the most vital areas in the emirate of Dubai.

"It will enable the public to move across buildings in an air-conditioned and clean environment, far away from traffic jams and hot weather."

He added: “RTA will link up buildings in urban areas by a series of the would-be constructed air-conditioned crossings and subways.

"These buildings will also be linked with the main roads as well as the stations of Dubai Metro project. This will ease the mobility of pedestrians to access these places.

“This strategy will minimize the reliance on using vehicles in short trips, and accordingly cut short road congestion as well as pollution in the emirate."

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READERS' COMMENTS

metro effect minimal
Posted by nasir, dubai, UAE on Sunday 16 November 2008 at 18:45 UAE time

Without proper parking at each station, metro would have minimal effect on the traffic situation.

the weather in dubai does not permitt you to walk to the station or go to your office from the station unless it is less than 5-10 min walk. anything above 10 mins is to much to handle for most people.

there cant be air conditioned walk ways to every office building or from your home to the station. the best option is having large parking space at each station, at least this way one side of the walk to your destination can be avoided and would encourage more people to shift towards metro.

walkways
Posted by ronnie kay, dubai, u.a.e on Saturday 15 November 2008 at 21:08 UAE time


to all the doubting Thomases.... go home. The RTA is trying its best.. And to those who would not like to pay for ANY civic amenities... would you rather pay a 30% income tax... come on guys-- don't criticise everything in this city.

Air conditioned?
Posted by Concerned, Dubai, UAE on Thursday 13 November 2008 at 13:48 UAE time


All this will do is add more CO2 to the atmosphere by having a record number of ACs cooling the walkways while warming up the whole world. Imagine what would happen, if a few ACs malfunctioned and did not provide adequate cooling. People could suffocate & lose health instead of gaining it. Plus the cost of maintenance of such a structure could be massive. Purpose defeated.
Instead, they could grow adequate number of plants on either sides of these walkways and design it as a 'green' structure. This way we can have the largest green house structure in the world... & they will not have to invite public to name it, we already know what we can call it ;)

oh dear
Posted by jenny on Thursday 13 November 2008 at 09:49 UAE time


in theory this sounds likes a fantastic idea. unfortunately, experience in dubai dictates that it could very well be a flop like so many other seemingly good ideas. i suppose only time will tell ...

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