Latest news with #sustainableTransport
Asharq Al-Awsat
20 hours ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Railways Announces Full Operational Readiness of Mashaer Train for Hajj
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced the full operational readiness of the Mashaer Metro Train for this year's Hajj starting Tuesday. SAR completed its preparations in coordination with various relevant entities. Comprehensive operational preparation included nearly 12,000 trial trips since January, in addition to four full-scale simulation exercises accurately replicating the conditions of the Hajj season to test the readiness of systems, trains, and stations and ensure safe and efficient operations. The Mashaer Metro Train operates on five service patterns tailored to the different Hajj rituals, making it a unique transport system globally. During the Hajj, the train is scheduled to carry out more than 2,000 trips, aiming to transport over two million passengers with high efficiency and precise organization. SAR conducted extensive maintenance and rigorous testing on all facilities and stations of the project to ensure their readiness and compliance with safety and quality standards. The train connects nine stations across the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, with the final station in Mina located on the fourth level of the Jamarat Bridge, ensuring the smooth movement and safety of pilgrims. The Mashaer Metro Train is one of the region's most significant sustainable transport projects. It operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers, enabling a total transport capacity exceeding 72,000 passengers per hour. This helps reduce congestion in the holy sites, lower carbon emissions, and provide a smart, safe, and environmentally friendly travel experience. The operation of the train reflects SAR's commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by enabling a reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport experience for pilgrims, showcasing the Kingdom's advanced infrastructure and improving the quality of services.
CBC
27-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Active Commute Challenge kicking off June 1st
The people behind the Active Commute Challenge gathered Tuesday to kick off the month-long event, which starts June 1. The friendly competition challenges people to use sustainable transportation methods to commute to work for the month of June. This includes walking, cycling, carpooling and public transit. At a podium set up outside outside Confederation College in front of a very full bike rack, Thunder Bay District Health Unit public health nurse Leena Pehkonen said the challenge helps people develop healthy exercise habits and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. "We have such an improved cycling and biking infrastructure here in Thunder Bay, so it gives people a chance to kind of explore that, check out some routes and try something new," said Pehkonen, who is coordinator of the Active Commute Challenge. Thunder Bay's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions was transportation, Pehkonen said. The goal of the challenge is to get cars off the road by replacing car trips with greener modes of transportation. "Last year we replaced 3,000 car trips just during the month of June and 25,000 kilometres of people actively commuting," Pehkonen said. Physical and mental health benefits On top of reducing carbon footprint, the challenge can also help people kick-start a healthier lifestyle, said Janet DeMille, medical officer of health at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. The recommended amount of physical activity for adults is 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week, she said. "You can easily meet that with an active commute if you're walking or if you're biking. So that act improves people's physical health. It makes them stronger, it makes them more energetic, makes them healthier overall and, helps lower the risk of those chronic diseases," said DeMille. How easy is it to commute across Thunder Bay by bike? 2 years ago Duration 4:31 People hoping to bike to work in response to Thunder Bay's Active Commute Challenge might face a few extra obstacles. CBC News went for a ride across the city with cycling advocate Ken Shields. Here's what we saw along the way. Spending time outside during an active commute also has mental health benefits, she said. Being in nature can positively impact people struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression, DeMille said. Commuting by foot, bike or carpool can also help increase social interaction, she said. "You feel connected to other people in a way that you don't when we're all sort of separately in cars," said DeMille. Confederation College Vice President Peter Myllymaa said that he's personally experienced the benefits of exercise DeMille described. "I've been skiing, I started when I was two years old. So I've been at it for 57 years now, riding my bike, running. It's just incredible benefits from that," said Myllymaa. While the challenge may appeal to seasoned active commuters, Myllymaa said people looking to try walking, cycling or other active ways of getting to work can make use of the many multi-use trails in the city and on the college campus. "You can get from the north end of town to the south end of town without competing with traffic. And that's really good to have," he said. The Active Commute Challenge kicks off June 1 and runs for the entire month of June.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- BBC News
Walking routes to Thirsk railway station set to be improved
Plans to improve walking and cycling routes around Thirsk railway station are being developed by North Yorkshire being just under a mile (1.5km) apart there is no continuous safe walking and cycling route between the station and the town centre, according to cycling charity organisation said it was working with the council on proposals to upgrade the route on Green Lane and the A61.A report for the authority said: "Low levels of train commuting and high car use from this area underline the need to improve sustainable transport options, particularly for residents with limited mobility." The council said it wants to build better walking and cycling connections between the station and new homes in the Sowerby Gateway the plans the crossing over the A61 would be improved and better access routes for wheelchairs, mobility aids and pushchairs would be created.A proposed new footpath on Green Lane would also be extended to link up with a new route at Olivette Crescent, before crossing Station Road to the station, according to the Local Democracy Reporting from Sustrans found that 60% of people from the town commuted to work by car or van and that 19.5% of residents were registered as disabled, highlighting the need for more accessible scheme is currently at the design stage and will be discussed at a council meeting on Wednesday. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
22-05-2025
- Automotive
PwC Middle East sets out roadmap to accelerate Qatar's electric mobility transformation
PwC Middle East has released its eMobility Outlook 2025 – Qatar Edition, presenting a bold, actionable roadmap to accelerate the country's shift toward sustainable transport. Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) and the Electric Vehicle Strategy 2021, the report charts a course to unlock new value for the nation, redefining mobility, energy, and economic growth. Electric vehicles are gaining traction in Qatar. PwC's report reveals that electric vehicle (EV) sales in Qatar are projected to reach 24% of new vehicle sales by 2035, with Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) making up 14% and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) 9.6%. The shift is driven by national policies, expanding charging infrastructure, and rising demand for low-carbon transport options. Heiko Seitz, Global eMobility Leader and Partner at PwC Middle East, said: 'Qatar is rapidly advancing its sustainable mobility agenda. With strategic public-private collaboration, forward-looking regulation, and targeted investment, the country is laying the groundwork for widescale EV adoption, building a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient transport future.' The report highlights the Ministry of Transport's active role in reshaping mobility over 73% of Qatar's public buses are already electric, and strategic collaborations with global leaders like Yutong, ABB E-mobility, and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), are laying strong foundations, from vehicle assembly to EV training and service centres. By transitioning to electric and cleaner energy sources, Qatar could reduce transport-related CO₂ emissions by nearly 5% by 2035, even as vehicle volumes rise from 1.7 million to 2.3 million. With EV electricity demand expected to account for less than 1% of total power use by 2035, the nation is well-positioned to meet this demand entirely through renewables. PwC identifies several key levers to drive momentum. First, infrastructure remains a cornerstone. Fast-charging corridors in high-traffic urban and intercity zones will be essential to meet growing demand and ensure ease of access. Second, thermal resilience is vital. Adaptive thermal management systems and continued battery innovation are integral to delivering consistent performance year-round, accounting for high summer temperatures. Third, cost competitiveness is gaining ground. While private EV ownership still carries a higher total cost, commercial fleets in Qatar have already reached cost parity. Bulk procurement, optimised utilisation, and operational incentives help close the cost gap and improve long-term value for fleet operators. Finally, broadening market access is key. More than 90% of vehicles sold in Qatar today are still internal combustion engine (ICE) models. To shift consumer behavior at scale, affordable EV options must enter the market, supported by clear policy signals, financial incentives, and streamlined regulation. With Qatar's first domestic EV brand Ecotranzit already in motion and strong interest from global OEMs, the market is gaining traction. Green financing, tax incentives, and policy clarity are further fuelling the shift. 'Qatar continues to drive forward its sustainability agenda. The transition to electric mobility represents both a strategic imperative and a significant opportunity. With the right mix of innovation, policy support, and investment, Qatar is well positioned to lead the region in building a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient transport ecosystem', Bassam Hajhamad, Qatar Country Senior Partner and Consulting Leader at PwC Middle East in Qatar, added. PwC's eMobility Outlook is a call to action for government, industry, and investors to collaborate, innovate, and move forward together, positioning Qatar at the forefront of the global clean transport transition. Read the full report here.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
PwC Middle East sets out roadmap to accelerate Qatar's electric mobility transformation
Doha, Qatar – PwC Middle East has released its eMobility Outlook 2025 – Qatar Edition, presenting a bold, actionable roadmap to accelerate the country's shift toward sustainable transport. Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) and the Electric Vehicle Strategy 2021, the report charts a course to unlock new value for the nation, redefining mobility, energy, and economic growth. Electric vehicles are gaining traction in Qatar. PwC's report reveals that electric vehicle (EV) sales in Qatar are projected to reach 24% of new vehicle sales by 2035, with Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) making up 14% and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) 9.6%. The shift is driven by national policies, expanding charging infrastructure, and rising demand for low-carbon transport options. Heiko Seitz, Global eMobility Leader and Partner at PwC Middle East, said: 'Qatar is rapidly advancing its sustainable mobility agenda. With strategic public-private collaboration, forward-looking regulation, and targeted investment, the country is laying the groundwork for widescale EV adoption, building a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient transport future.' The report highlights the Ministry of Transport's active role in reshaping mobility over 73% of Qatar's public buses are already electric, and strategic collaborations with global leaders like Yutong, ABB E-mobility, and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), are laying strong foundations, from vehicle assembly to EV training and service centres. By transitioning to electric and cleaner energy sources, Qatar could reduce transport-related CO₂ emissions by nearly 5% by 2035, even as vehicle volumes rise from 1.7 million to 2.3 million. With EV electricity demand expected to account for less than 1% of total power use by 2035, the nation is well-positioned to meet this demand entirely through renewables. PwC identifies several key levers to drive momentum. First, infrastructure remains a cornerstone. Fast-charging corridors in high-traffic urban and intercity zones will be essential to meet growing demand and ensure ease of access. Second, thermal resilience is vital. Adaptive thermal management systems and continued battery innovation are integral to delivering consistent performance year-round, accounting for high summer temperatures. Third, cost competitiveness is gaining ground. While private EV ownership still carries a higher total cost, commercial fleets in Qatar have already reached cost parity. Bulk procurement, optimised utilisation, and operational incentives help close the cost gap and improve long-term value for fleet operators. Finally, broadening market access is key. More than 90% of vehicles sold in Qatar today are still internal combustion engine (ICE) models. To shift consumer behavior at scale, affordable EV options must enter the market, supported by clear policy signals, financial incentives, and streamlined regulation. With Qatar's first domestic EV brand Ecotranzit already in motion and strong interest from global OEMs, the market is gaining traction. Green financing, tax incentives, and policy clarity are further fuelling the shift. 'Qatar continues to drive forward its sustainability agenda. The transition to electric mobility represents both a strategic imperative and a significant opportunity. With the right mix of innovation, policy support, and investment, Qatar is well positioned to lead the region in building a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient transport ecosystem', Bassam Hajhamad, Qatar Country Senior Partner and Consulting Leader at PwC Middle East in Qatar, added. PwC's eMobility Outlook is a call to action for government, industry, and investors to collaborate, innovate, and move forward together, positioning Qatar at the forefront of the global clean transport transition. About PwC At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We're a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 370,000 people in 149 countries. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting we help build, accelerate and sustain momentum. Established in the Middle East for over 40 years, PwC Middle East has 30 offices across 12 countries in the region with 12,000 people. PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity.
