By Mahy Ihab, Special to Gulf News
Dubai: Commuters on Dubai Metro are calling for more breathing space during peak hours as the daily train occupancy increases significantly.
Most commuters feel cramped for space during morning and evening rush hours and are calling on the authorities to manage the rush, allowing a more enjoyable ride for regular commuters.
More than 530,000 people use Dubai Metro daily and the number is growing significantly every day.
Though the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) employs additional trains during rush hours — 6.30am to 9am and 4.30pm to 8pm — and increases the frequency of trains to every three minutes, the effort doesn’t seem to be enough.
“I think it is becoming crowded because most of the working class in Dubai use it for going to work and back. People become irritated when the train comes late,” said Yomna K., 22, from Egypt.
She added that people’s attitude has changed a lot over the past few years as they are less patient now.
“In the first few years after the launch of the Metro, the trains were less crowded and people were somehow following the etiquette but things have changed now,” said Yomna, who prefers using the Metro for her regular shopping trips to malls.
RTA has issued a charter on etiquette and preferable behaviour to be followed in the stations and on the trains, including a ban on running to catch the train. More info
