By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter    www.gulfnews.com
Dubai: Eating, drinking and smoking inside the Dubai Metro trains will be prohibited by law, a senior official told Gulf News.
He said that the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has finalised list of ‘dos and don’ts’ which will be implemented with the launching of the metro operations on September 9. “The measures have been taken to ensure safety of the passengers and keep the trains and the metro stations neat and clean,” he added.
Pets are also not allowed on the Metro except guide dogs for the visually challenged passengers. Bicycles will also not be allowed on Metro premises.
Carrying alcoholic drinks inside stations or the trains will be an offence while spitting, littering and any other act which contaminate or make trains or stations dirty can get fines.
While eating and drinking (non-alcoholic drinks) will be allowed at some dedicated areas including coffee shops and restaurants at the station, smoking will completely be banned on all modes of public transport and the facilities including the Metro, public buses, Metro stations, bus stops, bus stations, water buses and the pedestrian crossings.
The security staff and the dedicated police personnel will be authorised to issue fines which will be announced soon.
Those who commit any kind of vandalism or cause any damage to the trains, stations or the Metro tracks will also be taken to task. These rules will be applicable on all modes of public transport including the Metro, public buses and the water buses.
Using public transport without payment will also be an offence. Meaning, if a passenger uses a gold class (VIP) cabin after paying for the silver class (economy class), he may face fine.
Destroying, damaging or tampering any devices, equipment or seats or the facilities at the stations will also be an offence by law.
Passengers found harassing, causing inconvenience or discomfort to other users of the public transport will also face penalties.
Metro users are expected to behave and are not allowed to rest their feet on seats as this action can also get them fine. Selling or advertising goods inside the trains will also be prohibited by law. Only authorised retailers will have selling outlets at the stations.
Entering any prohibited areas at the station or in the trains or attempting to open the doors of the trains or buses will be considered an offence which can lead to fines and even detention.
Men are prohibited to enter women’s only cabin. Using places and seats allocated for special needs is also an offence.
