Bahrain Metro’s plan moves to first phase

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Metro remains one of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications’ top transport projects, with work focused on preparing the firstphase route under the approved plan.

Efforts are currently underway to complete all necessary studies and required steps before construction begins.

That came in the ministry’s reply to a Shura Council question from Khalid Al Maskati, head of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee.

It also stated that transport for workers who do not own private vehicles is not within its direct remit.

Role

The ministry said its role is to provide and regulate an integrated public transport network for all passengers, rather than a service aimed at one group, so that travel across Bahrain is safe and smooth for citizens and residents alike.

It said the operation of worker transport falls to other bodies, while its own duties cover expanding the public transport network and laying down the rules and technical licensing conditions for transport services.

On the Metro, the ministry said the final cost cannot yet be fixed because the detailed designs are still incomplete and market conditions remain subject to change.

That figure, it said, will be settled once the final studies are approved.

Network

It also said work is under way on a feeder bus network linked to the metro, using small and medium-sized buses to connect residential districts with metro stations.

Timetables would be matched with train movements to cut waiting times and improve links between the different modes of transport.

The ministry said that system would widen coverage, raise passenger numbers, reduce reliance on private cars and ease congestion, above all in densely populated districts and busy commercial areas.

It added that the scheme would also include supporting facilities such as Park and Ride sites and dedicated bus lanes.

More widely, the ministry said it is working on plans to expand the public transport network so that it reaches more areas and key destinations.

Routes

Existing routes are reviewed regularly, it said, with routes changed or new lines added in line with urban and population growth, as well as demand and passenger numbers.

The ministry also said it is studying, with the relevant authorities, operating measures including high-occupancy vehicle lanes on a number of main roads.

The aim, it said, is to ease peak-time traffic, make better use of road capacity and cut carbon emissions.