The Urban Planning & Development Authority (UPDA), in coordination with the Planning Council, initiated preparation of the Transportation Master plan intended to upgrade existing transportation networks and develop new networks that would advance urban development efforts.

In this context, a press conference was organized in the premises of UPDA on Monday 14.8.2006, in which the key speakers were:

• Mr. Mohammed Abdul Qader Bu Erhama, Director, Planning Department, UPDA.
• Mr. Hassan Mohammed El-Emadi, Director, Department of statistics, Planning Council.
• Mr. Khalifa Bu-Hazaa, Head of Transportation & Infrastructure Planning Section.
• Mr. Mohsen Abdulla ِAl-Malki, Director, Public Relations Department, UPDA.

Mr. Mohammed Abdul Qadir Bu Erhama, indicated that the proposed study includes household surveys and road-side interviews, and urged the public to cooperate with UPDA in this regard.

The survey, scheduled for implementation by the German company PTV, covers 5500 households, of which 2500 are Qataris, in addition to about 500 persons who would be selected at some labor camps.

The Director of Planning Department, indicated that the intended study will help in the following aspects:

• Introduction of a public transport system, over the next twenty five years.
• Adoption of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Programs.
• Development of sound transportation policies.
• Preparation of urban growth guidebook.
• Pinpointing relevant traffic impacts.
• Development of solutions to lack of car parking availability.