Abu Dhabi public transport plans revealed

Abu Dhabi has released detailed proposals for a low-carbon public transport network under its Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.

The plans, reviewed by Construction Week, include a metro system, regional rail, a comprehensive tram network, a ferry link to Dubai, and three zones of personal rapid transit.

UK-based transport and engineering consultancies Steer Davies Gleave and Mott MacDonald released the plans as part of a Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP), which the firms were jointly commissioned to produce in February 2008.

"This project will consist of short- and medium-term plans to transform Abu Dhabi's transport into a world-class system," said Steer Davies Gleave technical director Luis Willumsen.

As a result of the plans, the Department of Transport (DoT) said on Tuesday it has invited firms to submit tenders to act as consultants on a feasibility study and design of the metro network.

Proposals must be submitted to the DoT by April 13. Bidders are required to register with the Abu Dhabi DoT.

According to reports, the scope of the consultancy work includes the feasibility study, preliminary engineering, tender document preparation, award and formalisation for construction contracts, design review and administration of contracts during execution, defects liability, and maintenance and contract closure.

Steer Davies Gleave head of Middle East Martin Tillman told CW that the STMP final report, originally due this month, would be released in March.

"You can see the scale of the route that's being planned and it highlights the route network," Tillman said.

According to the STMP proposals, the metro line will run from Abu Dhabi International Airport, through Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, into Abu Dhabi City Centre.

Lines also pass through the Capital City, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Mafraq, New Wathba, Al Falah and Masdar City developments, all of which are proposed or under construction.

The plans include 53 metro stations, three of which are based along an alternative route through Yas Island, along with regional rail links to Dubai, Al Ain and Madinat Zayed, with a possible rail link to Qatar.

The three areas proposed to be covered by personal rapid transit - a network of small vehicles that run non-stop on specially built guideways - are Masdar City, Capital City and Lulu Island.

The STMP itself falls under Plan Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan, released in September 2007, which is intended to provide a clear direction of growth for Abu Dhabi City.

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