Kuwait Urban Public Transport Planning

Urban Public Transport Planning in Kuwait is a comprehensive initiative designed to modernize and transform the city’s public transport system to be more sustainable, accessible and efficient.¹
The project envisions “creating a sustainable, efficient, and low-carbon public transport system that enhances the Kuwaiti’s quality of life”.²
The project seeks to develop an efficient and sustainable public transport network that reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption, promotes the use of public transport, integrates smart mobility solutions, addresses increasing traffic congestion, and provides a reliable alternative to private car usage.³

To achieve this vision, a comprehensive master plan has been proposed, which includes the development of new public transport routes, the enhancement of existing infrastructure, and the implementation of smart ticketing systems.⁴ This transformation is further supported by a range of public policy instruments such as government subsidies for public transport, regulations to limit private vehicle usage, and public awareness campaigns.⁵
The project uses a Multi-Modal Transport Strategy, which includes the following components:⁶

• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) between new towns and the Kuwait Urban Area
• Metro high-speed rail network within the Kuwait Urban Area
• Express Bus services along transport corridors
• Tram systems for arterial and distributor routes within residential areas
• Bus Feeders for distribution within all areas
• City Distributor within Kuwait City
• Interchange facilities for seamless transitions
• Accessibility measures for safe access to and from public transport

The strategy involves the establishment of a new Public Transport Authority and the implementation of an Urban Transport Policy to ensure the integration of complementary technologies and the delivery of efficient public transport services.⁷
The project was developed collaboratively by Kuwait Municipality, Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of State for Municipal Affairs and Public Transport Company (PTC). Designed by Gulf Consult, and Atkins,^{8 9} the Master Plan was completed in 2012, and the project is currently in the implementation phase, with a timeline extending to 2030.¹⁰