739,000 travel for free in Dubai on Public Transport Day

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By Mohammed N Al Khan  www.thenational.ae

DUBAI // Almost three quarters of a million commuters travelled for free on the Metro, buses and water taxis to mark Public Transport Day yesterday.

Passengers enjoy a free metro ride during Public Transport Day.Jaime Puebla / The National
Passengers enjoy a free metro ride during Public Transport Day.Jaime Puebla / The National

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) estimates that 739,000 passengers took advantage of the waived fees, an increase of more than 42,000 from last year.

Some commuters spent hours scouring the stations for a chance to win a new bicycle in the “Find the Key” contest, one of the competitions and events planned for the day.

“I’ve been here now for almost two hours,” said Mr Salvin Jacob, a surveillance-systems specialist. “I’ve looked in every nook and cranny, but still haven’t found one.

“I heard about the contest on the radio and I asked some of the security guards who told me that a key would be located at Abu Hail station.

“I’m going to give up but not just yet; I want to give it another two hours.” More info