Source: www.zawya.com
Since the barriers at the multi-storey car park of Rashidiya Metro Station were activated, half of the commuters using the car park turned out to be not eligible for the free car park space.
A parking space in a car park adjacent to a Metro station – or other public transport station – is free when the commuter will make use of the public transportation network.
This was confirmed in Resolution No. 1 of 2013 earlier this month. Issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, part 2 of the resolution reads: “Users of public transportation may use parking spaces available in areas attached to public transport stations free of charge for a period of 24 hours. People who do not use public transport and wish to use the parking spaces in such areas have to pay a certain fee..,” followed by the fees defined.
These rules, however, are not new. “The change is that they will now be enforced,” said Adel Al Marzouki, Director of Parking at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Currently, there are three Metro stations with adjacent car parks. Of these – the multi-storey car park attached to Rashidiya Metro Station, has put down the barriers in an attempt to stop misuse of the free parking.
This move was made in September last year, when entry to the car park became possible with the NOL card, or with a paid day pass for those not using public transportation.
However, some motorists were persistent on using the car park without travelling by the Metro. From September 9, 2012 to August 31, 2013 a total of 752,244 cars were parked at Rashidiya’s multi-storey car park. Of these commuters 376,867 were non-Metro users, said Mohammed Al Mudharreb, Director Rail Operations, RTA.
Two other Metro car parks are located at Nakheel Harbour Tower Metro Station on the Red Line, and Etisalat Metro Station on the Green Line. Although the same rules apply to these two car parks, the barriers have not yet been put down.
