Staff reporter www.khaleejtimes.com
DUBAI — The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is expecting a spike in the sale of Nol cards even as around 100,000 motorists are expected to leave their vehicles behind on November 1, which is Dubai’s free public transport day.
The second edition of Public Transport Day, which allows free unlimited rides on the Dubai Metro, buses and water buses for all Nol cardholders, is expected to be bigger and better than last year.
As many as 606,000 people used public transport on November 1 last year, a 39 per cent increase from the daily average of 436,700 riders in 2010. This year, the response is expected to be even greater, with the Green Line of the metro being an added attraction.
The day, which is the sixth anniversary of the RTA’s foundation, will also have in store free credits of Dh100 for 50 most frequent users of public transport in Dubai. “The initiative aims to raise the profile of Dubai emirate in supporting initiatives that contribute to the improvement of the environment and sustainable development, encourage the populace to use public transport means, and promote the modern mass transit modes offered by the RTA spanning the metro, buses and marine transport means.
The initiative also seeks to increase the ridership of public transport means, enhance the integration of multi-modal transport systems.
“It also seeks to illustrate the benefits and advantages that accrue to the individual as a result of using public transport means such as offering psychological and physical comfort during mobility, and reducing the costs of fuels and maintenance of vehicles, let alone the significant reduction of traffic fatalities and carbon emissions from vehicle exhausts,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director.
