Getting to COP28: RTA unveils detailed transit plan

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has mapped out a comprehensive plan to help delegations and visitors easily reach Expo City Dubai during the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).

The plan has been set up in coordination with the Office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change of the UAE and Expo City Dubai.

The event will be held from November 30 to December 12.

The authority, which is the ‘Principal Pathway Partner’ of  COP28 will provide transport services across the Blue Zone and the Green Zone for delegates, attendees, and the public, as well as the 18th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY18) participants.

RTA has formulated technical plans for easy mobility using various transit modes such as the Dubai Metro, Dubai Bus, and taxis at the site. It will also provide eco-friendly modes of transport to the venue.

These plans include managing and designating service points and regulating traffic flow on the surrounding roads and intersections.

Additionally, alternative strategies have been devised to address potential scenarios of traffic congestion.

Highlighting the theme, ‘Way To Go’, the transport authority has extended an invitation to participants and visitors to COP28 to use public transportation.

Conference visitors can obtain a ‘Nol’ card and download the ‘S’hail‘ app to identify the easiest and fastest route to reach the conference venue.

Dubai Metro

RTA has launched special edition ‘nol’ cards for COP28 delegates to facilitate the use of public transportation in Dubai for free during the conference.

It is also issuing complimentary pre-charged ‘Nol’ cards to young participants attending COY18.

COP28 participants can use Dubai Metro, with the designated Expo 2020 Metro Station serving as the primary access point.

The transport authority has also extended the metro operating hours, from 5am-1am the following day throughout the conference days.

For added convenience, participants using public transport have access to free multi-level car parking facilities at stations such as Centrepoint, Etisalat by e& and Jebel Ali Station.

Read: COP28 – How you can visit world’s key sustainability conference

Transit by bus

Sixty-seven biofuel-powered buses, supported by 10 electric buses, will serve visitors at four stops within Expo City Dubai.

Additionally, new bus routes have been introduced to transport delegates and visitors to central sites such as JBR, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, and other areas.

Read: Dubai’s RTA makes changes to bus routes and schedules

Taxis

A fleet of more than 10,000 hybrid taxis and 1,000 electric luxury vehicles will be available to visitors and delegates.

These vehicles can be conveniently hailed within Expo City Dubai through the Hala Taxi platform.

Users of luxury vehicles can opt for services through platforms like Uber, Careem and Yango.

Four designated ranks (stops) within Expo City, strategically located at Opportunity Gate, Mobility Gate, Sustainability Gate and the Metro Gate, facilitate easy access for these vehicles.

Road signs 

RTA has installed over 100 directional road signs, providing clear guidance to navigate their way to the conference site.

RTA at COP28

The authority will showcase its Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy 2050, which will be presented in coordination with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment at the UAE pavilion’s Blue Zone. The presentation is set to highlight the key aspects of the strategy and promote the use of sustainable transportation methods.

RTA will have a dedicated stand in the Green Zone of the conference, providing visitors with insights into key projects including the ‘Self-Driving Transport Strategy,’ ‘Future Aerial Taxi Vertiports,’ ‘First and Last Mile Strategy,’ and the ‘Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy 2050’, among others.

RTA will also conduct a presentation during the 18th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY18) to highlight innovative initiatives and plans to reduce emissions from public transport buses and taxis in Dubai.