‘Park & Ride’ proposal set to ease Kuwait University traffic

KUWAIT CITY, May 3: Municipal Council member Eng. Alia Al-Farsi affirmed that approval of the ‘Park & Ride’ proposal will bring about a qualitative shift in traffic management within and around the Kuwait University campus. In a statement to the newspaper, Al-Farsi disclosed that this will remarkably reduce traffic congestion, lower accident rates, improve traffic flow for students and visitors, and support the move towards sustainable public transportation in the country. She said “I initiated a comprehensive traffic study in 2018, aimed at resolving the parking crisis and traffic congestion at the university. The study was based on projections of the full operation of the university, along with the relocation of its colleges to the new site, which was happening gradually at the time. I proposed the ‘Park & Ride’ model as a practical solution to establish massive external parking facilities linked to an internal public transportation system.

This could alleviate pressure in the heart of the university campus. The international consultants working on the structural plan of the Kuwait Municipality welcomed the proposal then.” She supported her initiative with a field survey at the university and the results showed that more than 60 percent of the students support the project and demand its implementation. “This percentage is expected to rise due to the growing student population and worsening traffic congestion. It is a reflection of societal awareness on the importance of alternative transportation solutions. Upon my election to the Municipal Council in 2022, I put the project on top of my priorities, making it the first official proposal I submitted to the council.

Since then, I have been working hard to complete the technical and administrative procedures, including coordinating with the concerned authorities, such as the Services Committee and the Environment Public Authority, to expedite site allocation and official approval of the proposal,” she narrated. She disclosed that the proposal includes spacious parking areas accommodating thousands of vehicles outside the main area of the campus, bus stops for efficient student transportation within the university, and supporting other facilities like commercial spaces and restrooms. She added that the traffic design ensures smooth entry and exit and reduces congestion, as well as adopting sustainable solutions such as energy-efficient lighting and landscaping. She confirmed her commitment to push for the approval of the proposal, indicating it is not just a solution to the university traffic problem but a model that is applicable to other areas suffering from traffic congestion, making it part of the vision for developing the urban transport system in the country.

By Inaas Awadh Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff