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Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Having more wayside trees benefits urban environment
The tabebuia tree is more than just 'a pretty face in the landscape'. It is a symbol of resilience, sustainability and harmony with nature. — Photo from RECENT destruction of trees along some roads in Kuching for transportation development has really given me some perspectives. Sir David Attenborough, in his book, 'A Life on Our Planet', presents a review of the natural world throughout the past 70 years. According to him, 'the world is heading for disaster if no redemptions are taken now'. Attenborough, who just turned 99 earlier this month, is hailed as the most active researcher and broadcaster of natural heritage, covering all parts of Earth, so he truly knows what he is talking about. His 'no redemptions' statement reflects the global situation where human beings have destroyed vast areas of forests, grasslands, icebergs, and even the great reefs in Australia resulting from the rising temperature and levels of acidity in the environment. There are now alternative energy options other than fossil fuel, which is regarded as a source of pollution and global warming. In this respect, Sarawak is heading towards utilising hydrogen technology, as well as solar energy for electricity generation. Having said this, it is known that leafy trees absorb carbon dioxide and in the process, release oxygen that rejuvenates air quality. So, why don't we have more trees around the city, especially over the open spaces? The authorities did plant some beautiful wayside trees around Kuching in the 1970s. One of them is the 'Tabebuia rosa', or 'trumpet tree'. I see this species, which is native to the Americas, as 'a gift of beauty to the world' with its bell-shaped blooms. These majestic trees are planted across the tropics and the sub-tropics not only for their visual appeal, but for their environmental and ecological benefits. In Kuching, they used dot along the Jalan Simpang Tiga near the Spring Shopping Mall, but recently, several of them were felled to make way for the ongoing Automated Rapid Transit (ART) project. Fortunately, we have some other trees elsewhere in Sarawak. The trumpet tree is a natural showstopper. The specular flowering display in hues of pink, yellow, purple and white, comes in dramatic bursts during onset of a dry spell in our weather. This tree species plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity. The blooms attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds that are crucial for pollination. Additionally, it provides good shade for humans and birds, contributing to healthy urban and natural habitats, respectively. The tabebuia contributes to environmental sustainability in several major ways: Air purification – like all leaf-borne trees, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, helping to combat climate change; Urban cooling – the leafy canopies provide shade, reduce the 'heat island' effect in cities, and lower energy consumption, and; Soil health – the deep roots help prevent erosion and improve water retention. The tree is known for being drought tolerant and relatively easy to maintain once it is established. This makes them an excellent choice for reforestation, as well as for planting in areas with low-water retention or environmental stress. It is also a good timber tree, as it yields hard durable wood good for decking, furniture-making and the construction industry. The tabebuia tree is more than just 'a pretty face in the landscape'. It is a symbol of resilience, sustainability and harmony with nature. By planting and preserving more of this tree, we are not only beautifying our surroundings, but also contributing to the planet's ecological balance and well-being. Another great species is the 'Jacaranda mimosifolia', native to South America especially Argentina and Bolivia. The trumpet-shaped flowers are in vibrant purple or bluish lavender hues, and the leaves are fern-like bipinnate and offer light dappled shade. The tree can grow up to 50 feet (over 15m) tall, and it is a fast-growing plant. It is moderate drought-tolerant once it reaches maturity. The jacaranda is, in my opinion, a great urban landscaping choice for the streets, parks as well as large gardens due to its large canopy and stunning flowers. Happy Gardening!
Gulf Insider
12-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Abu Dhabi Ranks Fourth Globally in Public Transport Quality
Abu Dhabi ranked fourth globally in terms of public transport quality based on resident feedback, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has announced. In a comprehensive new study conducted by DMT, 88% of the emirate's residents expressed satisfaction with public transport services. According to the results, shared by DMT through its digital platforms, Abu Dhabi ranked fourth globally in terms of public transport quality based on resident feedback. The study highlighted that 88% of residents find public transport services efficient and comfortable. The Automated Rapid Transit (ART) systems were particularly praised for their convenience and high performance. Public buses are also designed to accommodate people of determination, with wheelchair-accessible units operating across eight major tourist routes. Public transport remains a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's integrated development strategy. The emirate boasts a world-class road network built to the highest international standards, prioritising sustainability, safety, and security for all road users. Over recent years, Abu Dhabi has consistently ranked among the top 20 cities globally in key transport performance indicators. Leading model in public mobility Abu Dhabi continues to set a benchmark in public mobility, offering a diversified, safe, and high-quality transport ecosystem. The emirate features a comprehensive network of modern public buses, maritime transport services, and taxis, with long-term infrastructure plans that include metro and railway systems. Authorities place strong emphasis on adopting cutting-edge smart technologies and promoting sustainability by introducing environmentally friendly transport solutions. International reports have reaffirmed the UAE's leading position, with Abu Dhabi at the forefront. The UAE ranked among the top 10 countries globally in public transport efficiency and effectiveness, according to the World Economic Forum. It also secured sixth place in resident satisfaction with public transportation in the Legatum Institute's Prosperity Index. Abu Dhabi's public transport system is widely recognised as a benchmark in providing safe, inclusive, and reliable services, reflecting the emirate's broader commitment to enhancing quality of life and driving sustainable development. Pioneering innovations in 2024 The year 2024 marked a significant turning point for urban mobility in Abu Dhabi with the launch of Abu Dhabi Mobility Week—a platform showcasing the latest innovations and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Among the standout developments were successful test flights of passenger drones. Two trial flights were conducted: the first featured a five-seat drone capable of flying over 250km with a payload of up to 350kg. The second showcased a smaller drone designed for two passengers, capable of covering 35km in about 20 minutes. Underscoring its leadership in advanced mobility, Abu Dhabi announced a government-level partnership with Joby Aviation to establish the emirate's first integrated electric aerial mobility network. Strong return on investment In 2024, Abu Dhabi's strategic investments in mobility yielded tangible results. Public bus ridership exceeded 90 million passengers, while marine transport services recorded over 168,000 users. Air travel passengers surpassed 28 million, underscoring the robustness and integration of the emirate's transport infrastructure. Strategic infrastructure development The DMT invested Dh3.4 billion in several transport infrastructure projects, including the Halio–Abu Al Abyad Road in Al Dhafra and the opening of two bridges as part of the Gulf Street–Shakhbout bin Sultan Street interchange project, costing Dh315 million. This project significantly reduced peak morning commute times on the vital Gulf Street corridor by up to 80%. Additionally, 247km of new cycling tracks were added, bringing the total cycling network across the emirate to over 1,200km. These developments are part of a broader strategy to reduce transport-related emissions by investing in sustainable public transport systems. In line with global climate goals, Abu Dhabi Mobility unveiled plans to fully transition to zero-emission electric and hydrogen-powered buses, aiming to transform Abu Dhabi Island into a green mobility zone by 2030. The long-term vision targets a 100% transition to sustainable energy-powered buses by 2050. The pilot phase of electric and hydrogen bus operations began in late 2024, with a goal of reaching 20% conversion by 2030. Autonomous transport milestones Since their debut in November 2021, Abu Dhabi's autonomous vehicles operating on Yas and Saadiyat Islands have reported zero traffic incidents, leading to an expansion of the service to include routes to and from Zayed International Airport. The autonomous fleet—operating under the brand 'TXAI'—includes self-driving cars, mini Robobuses, and an Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system. Additionally, several EV charging stations have been installed on Yas and Saadiyat Islands. Abu Dhabi Mobility is now exploring broader deployment of autonomous vehicles across mixed-traffic routes, driven by high public demand—particularly among tourists and residents of Yas and Saadiyat Islands—who value the ease and convenience of reaching destinations using smart mobility applications.
Express Tribune
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Petition filed against CM Punjab's promotion on electric buses
Listen to article A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court against the personal promotion of Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab, on electric buses. The petition challenges the placement of her photographs on the buses, alleging that it amounts to personal advertising at the expense of public resources. During the court hearing, Justice Farooq Haider sought responses from the Chief Secretary of Punjab and the Director-General of Public Relations (DGPR) regarding the issue. The petition, filed by the opposition leader of the Punjab Assembly, Ahmad Khan's lawyer, argued that the Punjab government used public funds to purchase the electric buses, and subsequently used these buses for personal promotion by displaying Maryam Nawaz's photos. The petition further contends that such personal promotion violates a decision made by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The petitioners have requested the court to take contempt of court action against those responsible for the promotion and demand that the expenses incurred for such promotions be recovered. The petition also urges the court to direct the Chief Secretary of Punjab to remove the promotional material from the buses. Earlier, The Punjab government has unveiled a plan to introduce trackless electric buses as part of a sustainable public transport initiative. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has instructed the provincial transport department to begin trials for the new system, known as the Automated Rapid Transit (ART). The ART system, already implemented in cities like Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Qatar, will modernise Punjab's public transit infrastructure. The trackless electric buses, which are more efficient than conventional buses, will operate on standard roads within dedicated lanes, eliminating the need for specialised tracks. Each ART bus will have three coaches, accommodating 250-300 passengers, and will feature fast-charging, Wi-Fi, and CCTV. The buses will be powered by solar energy for an eco-friendly solution. Initially, the ART system will be introduced in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, with plans to expand to ten cities. The Chief Minister highlighted the goal of providing modern transport to all urban areas, including smaller cities, with the aim to complete the ART project within four years.
Zawya
02-03-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
ITC (Abu Dhabi Mobility) enhances mass transit service on Zayed the First Street during Ramadan
Abu Dhabi - In line with Abu Dhabi's strategy to advance smart and sustainable mobility solutions and enhance mass transit service to meet the needs of residents and visitors, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced the enhancement of the mass transit service on Zayed the First Street. This improved service will be launched in line with the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan. This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to delivering sustainable and innovative mobility solutions, supporting the realisation of a comprehensive and forward-thinking vision for mobility in the Emirate. An Efficient Mass Transit Corridor The service relies on a fleet of high-capacity electric vehicles, consisting of four modern electric vehicles, including two-car and three-car configurations. These vehicles are designed to provide more comfortable and efficient mobility while effectively catering to demand. This project contributes to enhancing mobility flow, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting environmental goals by minimising carbon emissions. AR1 Service Operational Details Electric articulated vehicles will be operated on Zayed the First Street, consisting of three electric vehicles, each 30 meters long, with 44 seats and a total capacity of up to 200 passengers. Additionally, an 18-meter-long electric articulated vehicle will be operated, featuring 46 seats and a capacity of approximately 110 passengers. Service Schedule and Route The service will operate on a regular schedule throughout the day using these electric vehicles. Buses will depart every 30 minutes during peak hours and every 60 minutes during off-peak hours. The service route spans 27 kilometres, starting from Reem Mall, passing through Zayed the First Street, reaching Marina Mall, and then returning to the starting point. The route includes 13 stops, ensuring extensive coverage and enhancing the public transport experience in the Emirate. It is worth noting that the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system was first launched in October 2023 and has since undergone successive development phases to enhance operational efficiency and improve passenger experience, establishing itself as a primary public transport option in Abu Dhabi. This service aligns with Abu Dhabi Mobility's vision of supporting sustainable mobility and promoting the shift towards environmentally friendly transport solutions by utilising electric vehicles. This initiative contributes to reducing the carbon footprint, improving air quality, and providing the community with comfortable, fast, and diverse transport options. -Ends- About Abu Dhabi Mobility: Abu Dhabi Mobility is the brand identity launched by the Integrated Transport Centre, an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, that is aligned with Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision to rank among the most advanced cities in the world, and deliver a safe, smart and sustainable mobility ecosystem across the Emirate. Abu Dhabi Mobility 's mandate includes overseeing land transport, aviation and maritime activities solidifying its commitment to shaping the future of mobility in the region. Abu Dhabi Mobility will harness technology, innovation, and sustainability to accommodate the Emirate's growing population, redefine urban living, and meet future mobility needs.
Express Tribune
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab government to introduce special buses for rural women
Listen to article Punjab government has announced the launch of special bus services for rural women, a crucial step towards improving transportation accessibility in the province. The decision aims to address the ongoing challenges faced by women living in rural areas, where a lack of reliable public transport has long been a barrier to their mobility, Express News reported. Under the new plan, a dedicated bus service will operate from each rural tehsil to the district headquarters. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also requested the development of an inter-village transport plan to further enhance connectivity. Additionally, the government is reviewing a proposal to introduce a mass transit system consisting of 25 buses for remote districts, which will be implemented in phases. Maryam Nawaz emphasised the importance of a comprehensive transport system for rural women, highlighting that the absence of accessible public transport has been a source of significant hardship. She stated, "It is deeply troubling to see rural women enduring such difficult travel conditions. A modern transport system is their right, and it will help boost their confidence." The Chief Minister has directed that immediate steps be taken to provide subsidies for female passengers within the mass transit system, with plans to develop Punjab's first-ever women's transport solution plan. This initiative aims to make commuting easier for rural women, especially students and those seeking medical care. Maryam Nawaz noted that the new transport system would bring relief to women, enabling easier access to education and healthcare. Previously, Punjab government announced a plan to introduce tram-like trackless electric buses as part of a new sustainable public transport initiative. Maryam Nawaz directed the provincial transport department to begin preliminary trials for the system. During a meeting held on Thursday, the chief minister approved a five-year transport programme aimed at modernising the province's public transit infrastructure. Officials briefed her on the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, which has been successfully implemented in countries such as Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Qatar. The meeting's participants were informed that the ART is among the most sustainable public transport systems globally. The trackless electric buses used in this system are considered more efficient than conventional public transport, including the articulated buses currently operating in metro services in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan. These vehicles can operate on standard roads within dedicated lanes, eliminating the need for specialised tracks or rail systems. Additionally, the ART system requires less space compared to traditional buses.
