UAE motorists back public transportation as solution for traffic woes: Survey
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)UAE motorists overwhelmingly support enhanced public transport systems, broader road networks and flexible working hours as the most effective ways to combat daily traffic congestion, according to a new nationwide survey conducted by RoadSafetyUAE in collaboration with Al Wathba Insurance.The study, which polled 1,021 drivers across the country in June 2025, found that 83% of respondents advocate expanding the UAE's rail and bus network, with work-from-home incentives and increased highway capacity also emerging as top solutions to the country's growing mobility challenges.While gridlock has long plagued Dubai and Sharjah, the survey reveals that Abu Dhabi now experiences the highest congestion levels on three out of six key journey types—namely the afternoon return from work, the morning commute, and weekend travel. The findings underscore the mounting traffic pressure in the capital as its population and vehicular numbers grow.Nationwide, 86% of drivers say they 'typically' find themselves stuck in traffic, and four in five believe congestion has worsened compared to the previous year. Although 91% of Dubai motorists report routine delays, Abu Dhabi is not far behind.When asked about the root causes of traffic congestion, two-thirds of participants cited 'too many vehicles on the road'. More than half blamed uniform office start times, while nearly 50% pointed to simultaneous school runs and a high dependence on private cars. Other issues included poor driving behaviour, under-utilised carpooling, and the lack of viable alternatives such as cycling lanes.Speaking to Aletihad, RoadSafetyUAE founder Thomas Edelmann noted that public transport has long been recognised by experts as an effective way to reduce road congestion, but now the general public is echoing that sentiment.'Public transportation such as trams and metros was introduced in cities like Paris, London, and Vienna decades ago,' he said. 'The UAE, being a young nation, must fast-track these developments.'Sharing a personal example, Edelmann said: 'In my hometown, Vienna, a metro line was extended into what was essentially no man's land. But once it was built, development followed. We need more of this —metro, rail, and tram links — to address our growing traffic.'Muralikrishnan Raman, Chief Financial Officer at Al Wathba Insurance, said the survey aimed to 'elevate the discussion from anecdotal evidence to a fact-based and well-researched approach.'Edelmann added that the findings are meant to assist 'concerned authorities and stakeholders in understanding public perception about traffic congestion, the reasons behind it, and where improvements should be focused'.According to the study, rail infrastructure expansion is seen as the single most effective remedy for traffic woes, followed closely by remote working policies, which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate that flexible office timings could quickly ease peak-hour pressure if implemented more widely.
RoadSafetyUAE is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting road safety through education, awareness, and collaboration. It regularly partners with public and private sector entities to advocate safer driving practices and infrastructure improvements across the Emirates.
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