One of the most complained about problems by drivers and passengers in Baku for many years is traffic congestion. In order to solve this problem, the government is considering the implementation of a flexible work schedule. According to the State Program, by having different institutions and enterprises operate at different times, the aim is to reduce congestion during peak hours.
To what extent can the implementation of a flexible work schedule reduce traffic congestion in Baku? What difficulties may arise during the application of this model, and what does the world experience promise for Azerbaijan?
“This program covers quite extensive areas. It includes the construction of ring, radial, and connecting roads, as well as the development of rail transport. One of the most important directions is the expansion of the metro network, the return of trams to the city in the future, and the development of suburban electric trains. Suburban electric trains should actually perform the function of an above-ground metro, and I think they will carry out this function more effectively in the future. Currently, if the number of passengers using this type of transport daily is approximately 42 thousand people, it is planned to increase this figure to 200 thousand people in the near future”.
The expert stated that it should be taken into account that the suburban railway has a history of 146 years:
“During this period, the population and settlement in Baku and Absheron have increased significantly. For example, Khirdalan and Sumgayit are large residential centers. Approximately 500 thousand people live in the Absheron district, and about 360 thousand in Sumgayit. About 220 thousand people live in Binə settlement, and about 100 thousand in Mərdəkan. These figures can be compared to the population of some cities and districts under the jurisdiction of the republic. Therefore, the development of suburban railway connections is of particular importance”.
According to R. Agamirzayev, the movement of trains at 15-20 minute intervals should be ensured, their number increased, and communication and signaling systems fully electronic:
“At the same time, differentiating working hours can also play a certain role. Although this step may not completely eliminate the transport load, it can help distribute it more evenly throughout the day. In addition, increasing transport capacity is also important. For example, while one metro train can carry approximately 1500 passengers, the capacity of the currently used suburban trains is about 500 people. By changing the configuration of the trains, it would be possible to use metro-type carriages and carry more passengers on the same route and with the same frequency”.
According to the transport expert, steps should also be taken to increase speed and ensure safety:
“Additional crossings should be created in areas where the railway passes through settlements, fencing work should be expanded, sidewalks and pedestrian crossing facilities should be improved, and lighting of the areas should be ensured. Stations should function as multimodal transport hubs. That is, passengers should be able to easily transfer between metro, bus, railway, and other modes of transport. As a result, the implementation of a unified ticketing system is important so that public transport is both fast and affordable”.
Our interviewee also noted that traffic jams have always existed and will continue to exist in big cities:
“The main issue is to provide people with alternatives. Among softer reforms are improving the bus lane network, developing micromobility vehicles, and improving pedestrian infrastructure. Unfortunately, the condition of sidewalks is unsatisfactory in many places. A more serious and long-term solution is the implementation of projects that require investment. These directions, also reflected in the State Program, include the development of rail transport, the expansion of the bus fleet, as well as the construction of ring, radial, and connecting roads. In addition, the digitalization of services is also very important”.
R. Agamirzayev added that, in general, the issue of mobility should be approached from the perspective of the questions "Why are we going?" and "How are we going?":
“The answer to the question "How are we going?" is related to the development of transport infrastructure, which we have discussed above. However, the question "Why are we going?" is at least as important. People move to benefit from various services, make applications, and meet their daily needs. The expansion of digital services can help reduce the number of trips arising from this need. People should be able to access various services without leaving their homes or workplaces. Increasing the number of electronic applications and online services can directly affect traffic congestion, as well as allow citizens to use their time more efficiently. If services are not accessible in digital form and people are forced to go to various addresses physically for every matter, traffic congestion will continue. Therefore, the digitalization of services should be considered one of the important directions in solving transport problems”.
