Give your car a day off today: RTA; Al Mamzar exit opens

With Dubai observing Public Transport Day on Tuesday, the message transport authorities are sending out is: “give your car a day off today” and “enjoy the experience of riding public transport for free.” Nol cardholders can take free rides on Dubai buses, the Metro and water taxis. On the same day, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is also opening the exit to Al Mamzar on Al Ittihad Road for public buses and taxis from any emirate. The exit, which has been closed for more than four years, aims to help buses reach commercial business districts of Al Ghubaibah and Gold Souq faster. Also on Tuesday, the transport body, which is celebrating six years of its operations, will kick-start Phase II of the dedicated bus and taxi lane, which covers part of Naif Road extending 1 km from Al Musalla Road up to Al Khaleej Road. Similar dedicated lines meant to reduce travelling time have been implemented along Al Khaleej Road before and after Al Shindagah Tunnel. A flurry of activities and incentives have been arranged for the occasion to woo the public to desist from using private cars, according to the CEO of Public Transport at RTA Eisa Abdul-Rahman Al Dosari “We have organised some amazing activities at Al Ghubaiba and Ittihad (Union) Metro stations from 4pm to 9pm for riders to feast their eyes on,” he said. At the Union Station, there will be Filipino folkloric dances while at Al Ghubaibah, a station nestled in Heritage Village, there will be a handicraft sale and exhibition put up by families, individuals and private firms. Among the incentives being offered to public transport commuters on the day is Dhs100 complimentary credit on the 50 most used Nol cards.