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Leave your cars at home for New Year

DUBAI - The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is asking people to make use of public transport facilities on the New Year’s Eve as the traffic authority has put in place special plans.

From extra parking arrangements to round-the-clock Metro services and special buses, the RTA has made a comprehensive plan.

“We have got in place a full-fledged and approved plan for managing the traffic on the eve of the New Year, and the team attending to this plan has benefited from the experience of last year,” said Maitha bin Udai, CEO of Traffic Roads Agency of the RTA.

Internal roads near the Business Bay Crossing will offer the public several options to access Shaikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road and avoid traffic congestion at the Financial Centre Road. The team will also cater to providing greater exit corridors for vehicles once events are concluded.

A total of 10,000 additional parking slots will be available near the events venue including 2,000 parking spaces at the Trade Centre, and 8,000 parking spaces at Meydan. The RTA will also deploy shuttle bus service to lift the public to the events venue.

“The traffic signals control rooms will monitor the traffic movements in the area and the team will direct the traffic as dictated by the density of vehicular traffic at the intersections and streets in the vicinity of Burj Khalifa. The Virtual Messaging Signs will also help direct road users to suitable alternative roads,” added Maitha.

She called on the public to use the Metro and public buses rather than private vehicles, particularly during events held in Dubai such as the New Year’s Eve festivities. “The plan set by the team accounts for higher ridership of public transit means and has done what it takes to accommodate additional numbers of potential commuters,” said Maitha in a concluding remark.

Metro gates to remain open

Following last year’s large crowds at the metro stations, the RTA has announced new measures to ease pressure on Metro stations near Burj Khalifa after the New Year celebrations are over. The fare gates of four Metro stations will be open for the public without requiring the user to swipe the Nol card during check-in.

The stations where commuters won’t have to swipe their Nol cards to get inside include Business Bay, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Financial Centre and Emirates Towers.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com