By Shafaat Shahbandari, Staff Reporter www.gulfnews.com
Dubai: A new survey has revealed that 20 per cent of Dubai Metro users have cars but would rather take the Metro for their daily commute.
The survey, carried out by an independent consultant for the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), revealed some interesting facts.
Almost 70 per cent of Metro users who were surveyed over the past few months said they used the Metro to save time. The Metro’s affordability was also a key factor.
According to the survey, out of 500,000 average daily Metro users at least 100,000 are car owners. The study revealed a growing number of people prefer the Metro over driving as it is more convenient, affordable and reliable.
Some 50 per cent of people choose the Metro to commute between work and home but it is also popular among tourists and shoppers.
More than half of the people who use the Metro are below 30, while around 30 per cent are in the 30-40 age group.
An overwhelming majority of Metro users are educated — 55 per cent are graduates, 17 per cent are diploma holders, 10 per cent are postgraduates and 15 per cent have completed high school.
“The survey throws up quite a few surprises. The common public perception about a mass transit system is that it is normally used by low-income groups or the elderly but the survey shows that the trend is changing. The younger generation and educated people are using the Metro, even though they have cars,” Abdullah Yousuf Al Ali, Acting CEO of the RTA’s Rail Agency, said. More info
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