Motorists have listed out the several personal and social benefits, as Abu Dhabi’s toll system called Darb got activated on Saturday.
Dh4 toll is charged as motorists cross four major bridges in Abu Dhabi during peak hours: Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Khalifa, Al Maqtaa and Mussafah Bridges.
Motorists said the tolls would boost public transport means in the Capital and reduce traffic congestion, accidents, and pollution.
Darsan Sobhan, who works at a private company, witnessed a drop in number of vehicles on the road.
“I travel to work during the morning hours — the peak hours. Today, I felt at least 10 per cent of the vehicles were less on the road to Mussafah. This regulates flow of traffic during the peak hours. Also, I didn’t encounter the regular traffic snarls. If this is a constant scene for a while, it is good for everyone.”
Mohiyiddeen P.K., a transport supervisor at a private firm, noted a spurt in usage of public buses. He said the transport authority has introduced the ‘Park and Ride’ option with free parking and public bus services to Abu Dhabi City.
“I believe there will be an increase in the number of people opting for public buses now. If the transportation happens in an efficient manner, there will be demand for those buses. You will hopefully find this system of free ‘Park and Ride’ being implemented from different places. Even carpooling may become a popular alternative.”
Abu Mudakkamari, a public sector employee, pointed out that residents must look at the positive side of toll collections.
“I may be shelling out Dh8 per day from now, but this is manageable. Also ... there is a maximum cap of Dh16 here in Abu Dhabi. I like to look at the positive side of things. Tolls will lead to less pollution and cars on the roads, lesser number of accidents ... Reduced traffic blocks means more family time.”
Naseer Abdul Azeez, who works at a transport company in Dubai and frequently travels to Abu Dhabi, underlined the toll collection as an “important mechanism of development”.
“Companies will now look at the operational costs. It will improve overall efficiency. It will have economic and environmental impact. The toll collection will be returned by the government in the form of other services. So, this is a win-win situation for everybody.”
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