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Passenger Hubs A number of projects to improve access to more passenger-oriented forms of transport are also in the pipeline. Discussions regarding integrating the emirate’s planned metro and light rail system with Etihad Rail’s passenger services are taking place, though dates are not in place yet for the launch of either
network.“We will need to integrate heavy rail with the metro and light rail networks in order to attract the maximum number of passengers,”said John Thomas, regulatory affairs advisor at Etihad Rail, adding that he expected that an integrated ticketing system allowing passengers to buy one ticket for use on
both the metro and the railway system would be put in place. Such plans will extend beyond transfers between different forms of rail transport.“There will eventually be several main transit hubs in Abu Dhabi City that will integrate all forms of transport – trains, the metro, cars, buses, walking, cycling and even water taxis in some instances,”said Falah Al Ahbabi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC). The emirate’s Surface Transport Master Plan also seeks to ensure“hassle-free” transfers from cars to public transport through the creation of infrastructure such as park-and-ride hubs. Road infrastructure is also being upgraded to deal with growing air passenger traffic. In April 2014 the emirate’s Department of Transport (DoT) announced plans for Dh638m ($173.6m) of construction work to improve access to Abu Dhabi International Airport in time for the opening of the new Midfield Terminal Building, which will eventually triple passenger capacity at the airport, in 2017. The authorities also intend to extend the metro and light rail network to the airport, which will involve the construction of an express metro service between the central business district of Abu Dhabi City and the airport. Abu Dhabi Ports has also started construction on its new permanent cruise terminal. The cruise segment has been rapidly growing in recent years and efforts are being made by the port’s management and the government to help develop it to tap into tourist interest. The new cruise terminal will be well suited to cater to this new demand. Abu Dhabi has been included as a stopover within regional trips, for activities ranging from cultural excursions to major events, and 189,000 passengers visited in 2013/14. -www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com
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