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DTC spells out strategy

DUBAI — A Dh51 million principal station for Dubai Transport Corporation to be built in Qusais will be completed by the end of 2006, said Obaid Al Mulla, Director General of Dubai Transport, while talking about the corporation’s future strategic plans.

“There are strategic short-term and long-term plans outlined by the corporation for all sectors which will be announced in the next four months. We are progressing in a sure and positive manner towards our objectives,” he said.

Talking about the need for water taxis in Dubai, Mulla said: “Due to vital projects being implemented all over Dubai, the marine taxi has become of utmost importance from the regional and global point of view. The palm has three giant projects, which comprise roads of approximately 200km. This necessitates marine transport a great deal. The marine taxi is already operational in many countries. However, in the Arab region, Dubai is a landmark in the field and has the required relevant expertise.”

“A strategic transport networking is necessary for Dubai because transport is vital in tourist and commercial cities. Dubai Express — to be completed in 2009 — is among such projects, which will add to the international services, extended in the city. We are working on a plan to link Dubai with the rest of the emirates. The number of buses and taxis have also been increased for this purpose," he said.

He said Dubai Express would have a minimal effect on DTC’s business. “We have to take into consideration the increase in population and in the vital investment projects in the city. The infrastructure will, therefore, be supported and strengthened to encourage investment in the city,” he said.

“Dubai has become a universally acknowledged commercial city. Therefore, advertisements are vital to achieve success and progress. Dubai currently competes with other international cities, as the ad services extended are of the highest quality and are of state-of-the-art standards. Dubai transport is utilising its transport fleet to put the ads inside and outside the vehicle,” he said, stressing on the need to advertise on taxis. “Taxis and buses at the airport are equipped with screens. Our advertisement sector is very prosperous and outstanding,” he added.

“Training for the staff is a continuous process in DTC. Special training courses — not less than five or six — are given to drivers. We have specific plans and programmes endorsed annually by the board of directors for this purpose in order to achieve the highest standards of services. We are on equal footing with Singapore, Australia and other European countries,” he said.

He said that the 30 female drivers, mostly locals, are very efficient and are aware of the tourist attractions in the city. More than 120,000 DTC passengers are transported daily through 60,000 trips. Nearly 18,000 passengers take the buses daily from Dubai to other emirates.