Dubai's Road Authority to launch phase II of dedicated bus lane end of Sept

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DUBAI, 26th September, 2016 (WAM) The implementation of Phase II of the Dedicated Lane for the RTA Buses and Taxis Project, covering Al Mamzar and Al Ghubaiba Roads would commence by the end of September 2016, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced.

However, no fines will be collected during a grace period extending up to 30th October, 2016, in order to make motorists aware of the system. After this date, the fine system would be activated.

The implementation of Phase I of the project on Naif Road indicated that the compliance of private vehicles amounted to 88 percent, and the speed of buses has increased by 20 percent, which translated into an improved and smooth traffic flow of the RTAs public transit means.

Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, CEO of RTAs Public Transport Agency, said, "The 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 the compliance rate reached 88 percent. The actual implementation of Phase I started on 1st April, 2015, which provided for a fine of AED600 against violators. For this reason, the 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 and manually) for the same offence, only one fine will be collected.

"To ensure a smooth flow of other vehicles, the RTA had allocated a 20-metre grace distance near exits, turns, and loading/drop off areas in order to enable those motorists to turn to exit the dedicated lane. Order No (1) for 2010 regarding the use of dedicated lanes in the emirate of Dubai has specified that vehicles be allowed to use dedicated lanes namely public buses, taxis, Dubai Police vehicles, Civil Defence vehicles, and ambulances on duty. Other private vehicles would only be allowed to use the dedicated lane when entering or exiting subsidiary roads," Al Ali explained.

"The ultimate objective of implementing the dedicated bus and 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 and taxis. The system also aims to contribute to reducing the direct and indirect operational costs of transport means, and curbing carbon emissions polluting the environment," he added.