Forty-nine projects of 12 set works are being implemented within the framework of the works of reducing traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar city. Specifically, goal to reduce the traffic congestion by expanding the road network, renovating roads and road constructions, improving the quality and access of the public transportation, introducing a smart integrated traffic system, and special road BRT and LRT with foreign investment is set. More than 60 percent of the planned measures will be implemented in 2023, while the remaining 40 percent of the work has been completed by 85 percent.
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ROADS AND BRIDGES STARTS
In the last 10 years, the number of registered cars in the capital city has increased by 80 percent, while the number of main and subsidiary roads has increased by 19 percent. On average, 300,000-400,000 vehicles travel on the capital city every day. This rate is almost twice the capacity of existing main and subsidiary roads. According to study of 2022, conducted by the JICA, it was concluded that the lack of connection between roads and the lack of connecting roads on major roads are one of the main causes of traffic congestion. Therefore, roads to reduce traffic congestion have been studied, and the construction of 17.15 kilometers of main and subsidiary roads and 963.7 meters of new bridges in 11 locations have been started from 2022.
In the framework of the implementation of these projects in 2022, the volume capacity ratio was determined for the main streets and roads of Ulaanbaatar. In conclusion, the traffic congestion on the roads included in the study has increased by two to three times. As part of the project to reduce traffic congestion, 90 locations that mainly affect traffic congestion have also been identified.
With the implementation of road works in these 90 locations, it has been estimated that the traffic congestion on the main streets included in the study will decrease by an average of 20 percent.
SMART TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INTRODUCED
As part of the introduction of a integrated road traffic regulation and planning system, the RFID system for vehicle control, registration and regulation, the LPR camera system for license plate recognition, and the Smart Car system for the e-service of vehicles are being introduced.
Also, the development of basic map system, integrated road traffic regulation system based on spatial information, and electronic payment system of the capital's inspection bureaus are being successfully introduced. By introducing an integrated system of traffic planning and regulation, it will be possible to make optimal decisions on the regulation of roads and vehicles based on real data. The introduction of RFID tags or electronic certificates for vehicles is being intensified.
RENOVATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BEGINS
Until 2019, Mongolia did not carry out a large-scale renovation in the public transport sector. Therefore, about 60 percent of the 277 public transport vehicles registered in the capital city are more than 10 years old or do not meet standard requirements. Due to the poor quality and availability of public transport, less than one third of the capital's population travels by bus. Therefore, within the framework of reducing traffic congestion, 80 percent of public transport buses are planned to be renovated from 2022 to 2024, and 1,134 new buses will be imported. In the first quarter of 2023, 224 buses are imported, and as of today, 998 buses are in service in 106 public transport routes.
Moreover, school buses have been put into service. Twenty-five new school buses arrived in 2019 and 50 new school buses in 2023. Out of 85,207 children studying in 59 schools served by school buses, 23,952 children used to use taxis and private vehicles. Currently, with the school bus service, those children became able to use the school bus. It is estimated that this will reduce traffic congestion by 16.7 percent.
ACCESS TO SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS INCREASES BY 20 PERCENT
Access to schools and kindergartens is one of the causes of traffic congestion. According to a survey conducted in 2021, one out of every three children of kindergarten and elementary school age attend non-district schools and kindergartens. Therefore, the school districts have been reformed, and children became able to go to kindergarten and school in their belonging school districts.
In 2021 and 2022, kindergarten enrollment was 76 percent, and in the 2022-2023 school year, it increased to 90.2 percent. In the coming years, 11 new kindergartens, 7 schools, and 9 school and kindergarten complexes will be built and put into operation.
ABILITY FOR PEOPLE TO WALK AND RIDE BICYCLES TO BE PROVIDED
Currently, 17,353 square meters of sidewalk and bike path have been improved in 13 locations. Sidewalk is widened to 2.5-3 meters and 5-7 meters in its widest part. In 2023, it is being planned to renovate sidewalk and bike path in 20 locations.
For example, the first lane will be cleared by demolishing the parking lots in some parts of Peace Avenue. Consequently, it is possible to widen the sidewalk and increase the green area.
A total of 4,522 garages built without permission in 187 locations of the capital city were demolished and 81,396 square meters of land was vacated in order to create a safe living environment for citizens and increase green area. Moreover, 17,756.1 meters of fences and gratings were removed in 354 locations. In the vacated area, landscaping works such as sidewalk, highway, bike path, green area, parking lots, and playgrounds have been completed.
In 2023 and 2024, these works will continue and be implemented step by step, expanding the road network of the capital city, building large-capacity parking lots, improving parking management, renovating the public transportation, developing multi-pillar public transport, introducing a smart integrated traffic system, and measures to reduce congestion.
