“International best practice to take GCC public transport forward” says UITP delegate
Right Angle Media says “improved public transport stems from good public-private partnership"
One of the largest players in the “First UITP MENA Public Transport Congress" – Right Angle Media - today addressed regional and international delegates highlighting the benefit of public-private partnership (PPP), already making its mark across Dubai’s bus route, and emphasized the benefits of learning from international examples of public-private best practices.
Raman Multani, CEO of Right Angle Media, the company behind one of the largest public-private utility initiatives ever embarked on by Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) – the Air-conditioned Bus Queue Shelter project – said the bus shelter improvements are a major component of RTA''s plan to increase ‘ridership’ of its buses and the “Design, Build, Operate, Transfer" (DBOT) model provides the most appropriate way to fund this necessary infrastructure build.
“The Dubai bus shelters prove the efficacy of a public-private partnership. The DBOT approach ensures that public needs are met and passenger comfort is considered and provided for in a cost-effective way. At the same time, the goals of the RTA – drawing a significant number of commuters off of Dubai''s roadways and into the mass transit system – can be met."
He said that key benefits of a successfully executed PPP project can be measured by and include a reduction in procurement costs; capitalising on private sector operational efficiencies; a speeding up of infrastructural development and optimal risk allocation between the public and private sector.
Mr. Multani continued that although PPP models have been used successfully over the past few decades to create large public infrastructure projects throughout the world, they are in their infancy in the Middle East region.
Right Angle Media took the lead in creating an innovative solution that brings together the best elements of PPP – while providing a much needed service for the public and at the same time creating a solid revenue stream for RTA.
“Apart from the obvious social benefit of keeping commuters cool in summer temperatures that soar into the 40s, and providing travelers with conveniently situated ATMs and snack vending machines, there are added environmental benefits including incorporated recycling drop off points and an eventual reduction in motorist congestion."
Additionally, Right Angle Media will be providing employment to over 100 staff, dedicated to maintaining and keeping shelters in pristine condition at all times, making shelters appealing and comfortable for all who use them.
The Bus Queue Shelter project, currently taking off the ground in Dubai, is one of the largest and a first-of-its-kind street furniture project in the world, with over 1000 air-conditioned shelters across Dubai, a project worth over AED 750 million and to run for over 10 years on a DBOT (design, build, operate, transfer) basis, managed entirely by privately operated Right Angle Media.
Organized by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), the congress brings together international experts and decision makers to highlight the latest developments in the MENA’s public transport sector on both policy and industry levels.
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