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Since the beginning of the pandemic, Dubai’s daily public transport traffic has set a record high, with more than 1.3 million passengers on Thursday
Celebrating its opening day in Dubai Metro 12th anniversary, Another milestone has strengthened people’s confidence in the emirate’s public transportation system.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Dubai’s daily public transport traffic has set a record high, exceeding 1.3 million passengers Recorded on various vehicles on Thursday.
The numbers speak for themselves-even during a pandemic, public transportation is still the preferred mode of transportation.
Anjali Nair, an international student from New Delhi, India, said that since she set foot in Dubai last year, she has fallen in love with Dubai’s transportation system.
“I like to take the subway because it helps me get to my destination on time, saves a lot of money, and is clean. Given the current situation, this should be a priority,” she said.
Dubai Metro stands out
Anjali added that the Dubai Metro helped to change her perception of public transportation.
“I have traveled all over India and used subway stations, but Dubai’s subways are cleaner, faster and more organized,” she said.
Although the public transport sector may find it challenging to implement the social distancing guidelines, Anjali said that the UAE authorities have cancelled them.
She said: “They ensure that even during peak working hours, public transport must comply with the Covid protocol.”
Very worried at first
Rayane Tchanchane, a mechanical engineer and an Algerian expat, is concerned about the use of public transportation during the peak of the pandemic.
“I am applying for a job, but during the pandemic I had to stop using public transportation. I faced a lot of difficulties because of this because I would be required to attend a job interview,” Rayane said.
Although she hesitated a bit, the 21-year-old man mustered up the confidence to start using the subway again.
“When I saw how the Dubai Metro staff disinfected and ensured that all public areas were cleaned, I started using it again on a regular basis. Because of its efficient and timely service, it is still my preferred way to travel around Dubai,” she said.
Reduce accidents on the road
Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE and road safety expert, said that he is pleased to hear about the increase in public transport usage because it means fewer vehicles on the road and fewer accidents.
“It’s great to let vehicles (mainly private cars) off the road. We need to consider how many people can fit in a subway or a bus. This means that many vehicles can leave the road,” Edelman told Khaliji Times.
Edelmann also stated that the use of school buses, carpooling, micro-transportation and incentive programs can reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
“But more work needs to be done, especially in the feeder system and the development of incentive plans to further use public transportation, especially in school districts,” he said.
Don’t let your guard down
Dr. Nazeeva KA, a general practitioner at Al Qusais Aster Clinic, said that people should continue to follow safety regulations when using public transportation.
“Most people in the UAE have been vaccinated against Covid, which is the key reason for the reduction in infections and people’s confidence. Although we are slowly starting to enjoy this freedom after a long time, we should still be very cautious, especially It’s when using public transportation,” Dr. Nazewa said.
She added that all riders must abide by current regulations, including wearing masks correctly, maintaining social distancing, washing hands, and avoiding public transportation when symptoms such as fever, cold, cough or body aches occur.
According to data from the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Metro served 458,060 passengers on Thursday, including 311,090 passengers on the red line, 146,970 passengers on the green line and 15,932 passengers on the tram.
Public buses have 254,420 passengers, while 21,502 use ocean transportation and 66,590 passengers use e-hailing and car sharing services. There were 516,409 taxi passengers on Thursday.
james@khaleejtimes.com
James Jose
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