Vehicle exhaust gases have harmful environmental effects as long as cars are roaming the streets. The effect is similar to that of carbon dioxide, which is the primary factor in global warming. Climate change happens as a result of carbon dioxide absorbing infrared radiation which results in increase in the planet's temperature.
In Dubai, the public transport system has been designed to be environmentally-friendly as well as friendly to the passengers. This fulfils the Smart City needs where technical and non-technical services integrate with each other to make the citizens happier and more comfortable.
Dubai Tram is a sustainable mode of transport which RTA has been operating for more than a year. It is considered the world’s first in terms of world-class design according to international standards that touches the lives of its users and residents along its path. It’s a safe and eco-friendly means of transport that depends on ground power supply without using fuel, gas or overhead lines.
This makes the areas that Dubai Tram passes through less polluted compared to other areas. It is estimated that Dubai Tram has removed 2,885 tCO2 as a result of people shifting from using personal cars to use Dubai Tram during the first year of tram operation, with the potential to reduce 3,684.5 by end of 2015.
Using the Tram as a means of transportation has a positive impact on the health of passengers as well. It gives them a chance for walking to and from the station, which takes 10-20 minutes on average.
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions saves a large number of trees, which in turn, contributes to producing larger amounts of oxygen. This contributes to the sustainability of resources which we interact with in our daily lives. Trees provides us with shadow and fruit. They are important for soil stabilization and preventing it from drifting. It also plays a role of carbon sequestration which a process of storing carbon dioxide in addition to cooling the air around them. This means that the Dubai Tram contributes to facing the environmental challenges.
Abdul Mohsin Younes is CEO of Rail Agency at Road and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai.
