Latest news with #UrbanMobility


Gulf Business
6 days ago
- Gulf Business
Dubai Metro Blue Line construction: Traffic diversions announced
Image credit: Dubai Media office/ RTA Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the commencement of major construction work on the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a landmark project poised to reshape the city's transport landscape. As a result, key traffic diversions have been introduced in the Mirdif area to facilitate construction, prompting authorities to urge residents and commuters to plan ahead. Read- In a statement issued via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the RTA confirmed the closure of the roundabout intersection between 5th and 8th Street near City Centre Mirdif. Traffic from 5th to 8th Street and vice versa is now being diverted via Algeria Street. To ensure continued access to City Centre Mirdif, alternative routes to the mall's parking areas have been provided. A U-turn near Ghoroob Square has also been introduced to aid residents and maintain traffic flow from City Centre Mirdif Street. تعلمكم — RTA (@rta_dubai) These diversions mark the initial phase of groundwork for the Blue Line, a critical addition to Dubai's expanding metro network and a core component of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Game-changer in urban mobility The Dubai Metro Blue Line is set to span 30 kilometers and feature 14 stations, serving nine key districts expected to be home to more than one million residents by 2040. The line is designed to significantly enhance connectivity across Dubai, linking residential, academic, and commercial zones, and integrating seamlessly with the existing Red and Green metro lines. The Blue Line will connect the Green Line at Creek Station in Al Jaddaf and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station in Al Rashidiya. It will also offer direct metro access to Dubai Silicon Oasis—one of five key urban centres identified in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan—and Academic City, a growing academic hub projected to serve more than 50,000 university students by 2029. The Blue Line will operate along two primary routes: Route One (21 km): Starts at Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line in Al Jaddaf, running through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, and International City 1, including a major underground interchange. The line continues through International City 2 and 3 to Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City. This route includes 10 stations. Route Two (9 km): Begins at Centrepoint Station on the Red Line, traversing Mirdif and Al Warqa before connecting to International City 1 Interchange Station. This segment includes four stations and is supported by a new metro depot at Al Ruwayyah 3. The project's 14 stations include five underground and nine elevated stations, three of which, Al Jaddaf (Creek Station), Al Rashidiya (Centrepoint Station), and International City 1, will serve as interchange stations. A standout feature of the network is the iconic station in Dubai Creek Harbour and a 1,300-metre-long viaduct crossing Dubai Creek, the first of its kind in the metro network. Enhancing connectivity and accessibility Designed with inclusivity and sustainability in mind, the Blue Line stations will feature integrated transport facilities such as public bus bays, taxi stands, bike and e-scooter racks, and accessible parking for People of Determination, With an ultimate capacity to serve over 850,000 passengers daily, the Blue Line is expected to handle 200,000 riders per day by 2030, increasing to 320,000 by 2040. These projections reflect both the city's rapid urban expansion and the growing demand for efficient, sustainable public transportation. The Blue Line will also contribute to economic decentralization, providing easier metro access to densely populated residential communities such as Al Rashidiya, Al Warqaa, Mirdif, and International City, home to landmarks like Dragon Mart. The Blue Line represents the fifth strategic public transportation initiative by the RTA, joining the Red Line, Green Line, Route 2020, and Dubai Tram. With the line's completion, Dubai's railway network will grow from 101 km to 131 km. The total number of metro and tram stations will rise from 64 to 78, while the fleet of trains will expand from 140 to 168, including 157 metro trains and 11 trams. As a flagship infrastructure project, the Blue Line is aligned with the broader goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. It will support both population growth and economic diversification, while helping reduce reliance on private vehicles. Economic and environmental impact Initial RTA studies highlight a strong economic case for the Blue Line. By 2040, the project is expected to generate more than AED 56.5 billion in cumulative benefits, including savings in travel time, fuel consumption, accident-related fatalities, and carbon emissions. The estimated benefit-cost ratio stands at 2.60, meaning every Dirham spent on the project is expected to return Dhs2.60 in value. The line is also expected to ease road congestion in surrounding areas by 20% and increase the value of adjacent land and properties by as much as 25 per cent. Significantly, the Blue Line will offer a direct connection between Dubai International Airport and nine of the city's key districts. Sustainability and innovation The Dubai Metro Blue Line is the first transportation project in the city to fully meet green building standards, earning a Platinum Category certification. The design prioritizes sustainability, cost-efficiency, and ease of maintenance. The network's largest underground interchange station—located in International City 1—spans over 44,000 square meters and is projected to handle 350,000 passengers daily. Advanced rail systems, smart station designs, and integration with other modes of public transport will further reinforce Dubai's reputation for transit innovation.


Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Parsons awarded project management contract for $5.6bln Dubai Metro Blue Line project
U.S.-based engineering consultancy Parsons announced on Tuesday that it has been appointed as the Project Management Consultant on the Dubai Metro Blue Line project by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Under the five-year contract, Parsons will provide comprehensive project management services including design review, procurement support, construction supervision, testing and commissioning oversight, and project handover management for the new metro line, which is expected to commence operations in 2029. The contract value wasn't disclosed. The Blue Line will span 30 kilometres and include 14 stations, enhancing connectivity between key districts, including Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City. Upon completion, the line is expected to accommodate up to 320,000 passengers per day, supporting Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan for sustainable urban mobility. Parsons has rendered services for key infrastructure projects in Dubai including Red and Green Lines, and Route 2020 expansion of Dubai Metro, the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre, the Infinity Bridge, and more than 100 highway, bridge and tunnel projects across the Emirate. (Writing by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
$287.6 Bn Market Thrives on Urbanization, Digital Payments, and Smartphone Penetration with Leaders Like Uber, Lyft, and DiDi
The Ride Hailing Market, valued at USD 74.9 billion in 2025, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.1%, reaching USD 287.6 billion by 2034. Key players like Uber and Lyft drive this surge, fueled by smartphone penetration and digital payments. Electric vehicles, AI optimization, and regional expansions highlight future trends. Ride Hailing Market Dublin, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Ride Hailing Market Outlook 2025-2034" report has been added to Hailing Market is valued at USD 74.9 billion in 2025. Further the market is expected to grow by a CAGR of 16.1% to reach global sales of USD 287.6 billion in 2034The ride hailing market has become a cornerstone of urban mobility, transforming how people commute by providing flexible, app-based transportation solutions. With leading players like Uber, Lyft, DiDi, Ola, and Bolt, the industry offers an alternative to traditional taxis by enabling users to book rides on demand via smartphones. This market is supported by expanding smartphone penetration, digital payment adoption, and growing urban populations. Ride hailing services have evolved beyond basic transport, now offering features like carpooling, corporate packages, and integrated logistics. In both developed and emerging markets, the demand for convenient, cost-effective, and tech-enabled mobility is driving market expansion, making ride hailing one of the most dynamic segments in the global mobility 2024, the ride hailing market saw notable advancements shaped by technology integration, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory reforms. Companies ramped up efforts to electrify fleets, with partnerships formed between ride hailing platforms and EV manufacturers to support the transition. AI-powered algorithms improved route optimization and dynamic pricing, enhancing operational efficiency and user in cities like London, New York, and Singapore introduced new compliance measures, mandating background checks, licensing, and insurance standards for drivers. Meanwhile, super apps in Asia integrated ride hailing with food delivery, digital wallets, and healthcare services, strengthening user retention. Amid intense competition, pricing wars and regional market diversification became common as companies sought growth in untapped tier-2 and tier-3 ahead to 2025 and beyond, the ride hailing market is expected to deepen its integration with autonomous vehicle testing and micro-mobility services. Major players are likely to invest in Level 4 autonomous technology to reduce dependence on human drivers and improve margins. The sector may also see further convergence with public transit systems, offering multi-modal transportation options through unified policies will push operators to accelerate EV fleet adoption, while government subsidies and carbon credit schemes are anticipated to provide financial incentives. Additionally, rural expansion, voice-enabled ride booking, and the rise of subscription-based models could redefine user experiences. However, data privacy, labor rights, and profitability challenges will remain under scrutiny as the industry continues its rapid Insights Ride Hailing Market Increasing electrification of ride hailing fleets as platforms commit to sustainability goals and partner with EV manufacturers. Wider integration of ride hailing into super apps, combining transport with financial, retail, and food delivery services. Deployment of AI for real-time route optimization, customer service automation, and personalized promotions. Expansion into tier-2 and tier-3 cities as urban saturation leads players to explore less-competitive markets. Introduction of ride hailing subscriptions and corporate mobility services offering bundled packages and loyalty perks. Urbanization and traffic congestion driving demand for flexible, shared transportation options over car ownership. Growing smartphone and internet penetration enabling seamless access to app-based ride booking services. Shift in consumer preferences toward contactless payments, real-time tracking, and app-based convenience. Government support for smart mobility and EV adoption, especially through incentives and policy frameworks. Rising regulatory pressure around driver employment rights, data protection, and operational transparency poses challenges for profitability and scalability across diverse geographies. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 150 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $74.9 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $287.6 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 16.1% Regions Covered Global Companies Featured Daimler AG Denso Corporation Uber Technologies Inc. Didi Chuxing Technology Co. Ltd. Aptiv plc LLC Grab Holdings Inc. Bolt Technology OU Lyft Inc. Careem Networks FZ LLC PT Gojek Indonesia TomTom N.V. inDriver Holdings Inc. Swvl Holdings Corp. ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Addison Lee Ltd. DBDOYC Inc. Yassir Inc. Comuto company Gett Inc. VOXTUR SAS Kaptyn Inc. Pathao Ltd. RideCell Inc. RydenGo Shebah Pty Ltd. Beijing Xiaoju Technology Co. Ltd. Neutron Holdings Inc. Maxi Mobility S.L. Ziro Ltd Ride Hailing Market Segmentation By Vehicle Type Three Wheeler Four Wheeler Other Vehicle Types By Service Type Car Sharing Station based Mobility Car Rental By End-user Personal By Geography North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Rest of APAC) The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa) South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA) For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Ride Hailing Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Car makers may soon withdraw Aussie models, increase prices ahead of major rule change
Australia's automotive market is facing serious uncertainty in the coming months, ahead of the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) that comes into effect in July, requiring manufacturers to meet stricter emissions targets or face heavy fines. Announced last year, the NVES sets carbon emissions limits for new cars sold in the country, mandating that manufacturers meet fleet-wide targets or face harsh financial penalties. The NVES — introduced in January, 2025 but enforced from July — aims to encourage the sale of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. Along with Russia, Australia was one of the last major countries without vehicle efficiency laws, which resulted in us becoming a "dumping ground" for the least efficient and most polluting cars. Professor of Future Urban Mobility, Hussein Dia, told Yahoo the changes will eventually be positive, even if not immediately apparent. "[It's] going to entice even European manufacturers," Dia said earlier. "We're not going to be a dumping ground for polluting vehicles anymore, which is a good thing", he added. From July, popular and well-known models, such as the Ford Everest 4x2 and Isuzu M-UX 4x2, may be pulled from sale due to classification as passenger vehicles, which have tighter restrictions, compared to their "commercial" 4x4 variants. Isuzu, Mazda, and Great Wall Motors have informed dealerships they anticipate incurring fines from NVES and may increase prices as a result. Toyota and Mitsubishi, while supportive of the policy, acknowledged the upcoming challenges. The changes may also mean availability of the wildly popular Toyota LandCruiser may soon become more limited, though Toyota assured the ABC it will maintain the supply of the "tool of trade" vehicle. It acknowledged the new targets are "very challenging" and said the company was still working through how to manage them. At the same time, electric vehicle (EV) uptake remains slower than the government's targets, raising questions about whether the market is ready to adapt to the NVES shift. While the year started with sluggish EV sales, recent figures suggest a modest rebound. The latest data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) showed that 8,385 battery electric vehicles were sold in Australia in March, making up 7.5 per cent of total new car sales for the month. However, this is still lower than March, 2024 when 10,464 EVs were sold, accounting for 9.5 per cent of the market. The decline has been attributed to weaker sales of Tesla's Model Y and Model 3, impacted by consumer sentiment surrounding Elon Musk's involvement in US politics and anticipation of a new Model Y release. Adding to the turmoil, Donald Trump's new tariffs on foreign automobiles and potential scrapping of EV subsidies in the US have created global market instability, leading some brands to reconsider their EV commitments. BYD a 'big win' for Aussies in electric car transition New charge for hundreds of thousands foreshadowed 'Tax': New Aussie car rules under fire The Coalition has proposed removing NVES penalties if elected, arguing it would ease cost-of-living pressures. However, industry experts warn that without fines, Australia could once again become a dumping ground for high-emission vehicles, and brands might limit EV supply. Limiting the supply of electric vehicles (EVs) could have significant negative consequences. It would slow down Australia's transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation, hindering efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As global demand for EVs increases, restricting supply could also prevent manufacturers from capitalising on a growing market, which may hurt the local automotive industry's potential for growth and innovation. Forecasts suggest manufacturers could rack up $2.8 billion in NVES fines by 2029, and over 60 new EV models are soon expected to enter the Australian market, with sub-$60,000 options increasing significantly. Some stakeholders within the automotive industry are advocating for a 24-month grace period before the enforcement of fines. This proposed delay would allow manufacturers more time to adjust to the stricter emissions targets and prepare their fleets for compliance, but on the other hand, it may also prolong the reliance on high-emission vehicles in the market, delaying the overall shift toward greener alternatives. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.