New projects in Baku will put an end to endless traffic jams

In Baku, the problem of overcrowded public transport and traffic jams remains relevant for many years. During rush hours, long queues form at bus stops, buses are delayed due to overcrowding, and traffic congestion has become one of the main causes of dissatisfaction among the capital's residents.

To partially solve these problems, CJSC "Azerbaijan Railways" (ADY) has made changes to the train schedule on the Absheron ring railway route. 61 additional trips have been added on this route on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

This step is important for reducing the load on the capital's transport system and creating an alternative in public transport. But are these measures enough to eliminate traffic jams and overcrowding? What other steps need to be taken?

In a comment to BAKU.WS, transport expert Rauf Agamirzaev noted that a state mobility transformation program is currently being approved, and a number of activities will be implemented in the next five years:

"We are already observing some of them. Mobility transformation implies creating new conditions for various traffic participants on the existing street and road network and introducing innovations in traffic organization. The difference between yesterday's and today's reality is that the speed of buses in dedicated lanes has increased and the number of public transport passengers has grown. Over the past year, a micromobility system has also been forming, with its network expanding by more than 35 km, and the number of micro-transport users is growing daily.

On the railway, it is planned to increase the number of trains on the existing infrastructure to bring the daily number of passengers from 37 thousand to 50 thousand. I think this is the right decision. The construction of 10 new metro stations and tram lines has also been announced. This will lead to more people using public transport. Existing projects will be implemented in stages.

I think that integration between these modes of transport should be convenient, and today we should pay more attention to solutions that give quick results. If we move on foot, it is necessary to increase the number of pedestrian sections at traffic lights. If we use bicycles and scooters, we need to increase the number of crossings from one side of the street to the other. At the same time, barriers to pedestrians should be removed so that people are more inclined to various modes of transportation. It's better to focus on such solutions."

The expert added that in the city center, the distances between bus stops are sometimes too great: "I think it is necessary to conduct an analysis and increase their number. Then people will have access to stops at short distances and will be more inclined to take bus trips.

Currently, a transformation process is taking place, and in the coming years, we will feel it more actively. One of the most important points is that the practice of multi-level crossings in the city center will be discontinued. Next to the existing ones, single-level crossings with zebra crossings should be organized so that people do not experience problems when moving on foot. This is especially important for people with disabilities, parents with children, people with luggage, and tourists. It is expected that the projects envisaged by the state program will be implemented within five years, and it is necessary to increase investments in this area."

Orkhan Huseyn