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10 common mistakes commuters make in Dubai buses

Pay a fine of Dh50 to Dh250 for breaking these rules.

Hundreds of thousands of people travel by Dubai public transport each day, but are they aware of all the rules? Dubai buses run by the RTA are a cost-effective, convenient mode of transport throughout most parts of the emirate. If you take the bus every day, it is essential for you to know these rules to avoid getting penalised.
Khaleej Times called the RTA helpline to know about common mistakes that passengers make while travelling in the bus:
1. Avoid standing in the sections marked red and also near the side doors. You can be penalised for your own safety.
2. Don't just swipe and go inside the bus. Check the card reader for account balance to be sure.
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3. Don't hold the Nol card for too long on the card reader. This might result in check-in and check-out at the same time.
4. Although it might be tempting to check out before the bus halts at your destination to avoid the rush, resist that temptation. This is one of the most common mistakes made by passengers. Wait for the bus to halt and then proceed to check-out.
5. Do not forget to check out, else the system will charge you more for the journey. Here's how it works. When you check in, the system deducts the maximum amount of Dh7.50 if you are travelling inside Dubai. Even if the journey costs you Dh3 when you check in, the system will deduct Dh7.50 initially. When you check out, it will credit back Dh4.50 to your account. If you didn't check out, the journey will cost you Dh7.50.
6. Chewing gum or eating/drinking is strictly prohibited in the bus.
7. Sleeping inside the bus is not allowed.
8. Refusing to get down from the vehicle when asked by the driver or inspector due to overload, or because of disturbances caused to other passengers can attract a fine of Dh100.
9. Dh50 fine can be imposed in case of a passenger quarrels with somebody else.
10. Failure to pay the due tariff or keep the ticket until the end of the trip can cost you Dh200.
What to do when you don't have money to pay the fine?
1. General offences will make you poorer by Dh50 to Dh250 if you aren't careful. If you don't have money to pay the fine on the spot, the officer will confiscate your Emirates ID and will give you a receipt.
2. You need to go after 48 hours to the public transport agency in Amman Street, Al Muhaisnah 4 Area, just to be sure that the Emirates ID is submitted to the office bearer. You can collect your Emirates ID after paying the fine.
3. The payment should be after 48 hours and before 30 days. You need to appear personally and pay the fine. If you want to delay it more, you need to inform the office in order to avoid any escalation to the police department or immigration.
For any assistance or grievances, call the Dubai RTA assistance at 8009090
anita@khaleejtimes.com