Metro system 'a necessity' for Kuwait

A great article about the traffic problems in Kuwait. Its long, but interesting. Get ready to catch the tube!

__________________________________________________

Metro system 'a necessity' for Kuwait

Public transit networks such as metro-systems have helped ease the road situation in many cities such as Cairo and Tunis, and many have wondered whether such a system will be of use in Kuwait.

Experts have suggested that building bigger roads in Kuwait are only temporary solutions to a permanent traffic problem. A more permanent solution would be building an underground rail network.

In 2005, the Ministry of Public Works sanctioned a study that said the population density and distribution throughout Kuwait required using a public transit system to ease traffic congestion.

The study gave the government two options: either an underground subway system, or a railroad system.

Public Works Undersecretary Abdulaziz Al-Kulaib said that approving a metro system was a necessity to resolve the traffic situation. A high-level committee at the ministry is consulting a Spanish firm to map out options for Kuwait.

Al-Kulaib said solving the traffic dilemma in Kuwait required a number of solutions, one of which was building a public transit system. The others are improving the road networks and building bigger bridges.

An official at the Kuwait Traffic Department, Brigadier Mahmoud Al-Dousari told KUNA 75 percent of Kuwait's residents lived within a radius of 20 km.

Studies show that on average 120,000 cars join the streets every year. Rush hours have extended from 6:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. on some major highways, Al-Dousari said.A metro system will connect Kuwaiti areas together, and Kuwaiti ports and border areas will also be connected to the system, he added.

He hoped to see a metro system in Kuwait soon, but in the meantime, attitudes towards public transit systems had to be changed. Kuwait's main public transportation companies are coordinating with the traffic department to take on a larger role in absorbing traffic congestion.

Deputy Director of the transportation and public service at Kuwait Municipality Nazar Al-Sayegh told KUNA private-owned vehicles were the reasons behind the gridlocked streets.Public transport systems must be welcoming to commuters with air-conditioning, good lighting, and safety measures taken into account, Al-Sayegh said.

Fees and fines for cars, whether for parking and traffic violations must be increased to make private ownership less attractive to the public.

Source: Kuwait Times - 14 April, 2007