The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that it would start the implementation of Phase II of the Dedicated Lane for RTA Buses & Taxis Project, covering Al Mamzar and Al Ghubaiba Roads by the end of September 2016. However, no fines will be collected during a grace period extending up to 30th October 2016, in order to make motorists well aware of the system. After this date, the fines system would be activated.
It is noteworthy that the implementation of Phase I of the project on Naif Road indicated that the compliance of private vehicles amounted to 88%, and the speed of buses has increased by 20%, which translated into improved smooth traffic flow of RTA public transit means.
Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency said: “RTA is embarking on Phase II of the Dedicated Bus and Taxi Lane Project following the successful completion of the initial phase on Naif Road where compliance rate reached 88%. The actual implementation of Phase I started on 1 April 2015, which provided for a fine of AED600 against violators. For this reason, RTA had installed seven surveillance cameras along the dedicated lane to monitor offenders. Offences are reported either automatically through these cameras, or manually through Dubai Police patrols. If the motorist is fined twice (automatically & manually) for the same offence, only one fine will be collected.
“To ensure the smooth flow of other vehicles, RTA had allocated a 20-meter Grace Distance nearby exits, turns, and loading/drop off areas in order to enable those motorists turn to exit the dedicated lane. Order No (1) for 2010 regarding the use of dedicated lanes in the Emirate of Dubai has specified vehicles allowed to use dedicated lanes namely: public buses, taxis, Dubai Police vehicles, Civil Defence vehicles, and ambulance vehicles on duty. Other private vehicles would only be allowed to use the dedicated lane when entering or exiting subsidiary roads,” explained Al Ali.
“The ultimate objective of implementing the dedicated bus & taxi lane system (Al Masar) is to raise the share of public transit modes in the mobility of people in Dubai, reduce traffic congestions and improve the on-time arrival of public buses & taxis. The system also aims to contribute to reducing the direct & indirect operational costs of transport means, and curbing carbon emissions polluting the environment,” added the CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
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