DUBAI // Despite continuing awareness campaigns by the Dubai Government, some residents continue to be hesitant about using public transport.
On Sunday, Dubai Municipality is holding its seventh annual Car Free Day, when people are asked to keep their vehicles at home and instead use more sustainable modes of getting around, such as cycling, walking or public transport.
Bahia Barakat considers herself environmentally conscious and walks to her destinations whenever possible.
“I know people that would take their car to the market, which is about an eight-minute walk from my residence, and I don’t understand that,” she said.
“I would always walk if it’s a place that’s less than 10-15 minutes away. However, a person living in Dubai does have to travel long distances and this is when I feel like I have to use my car.”
The 24-year-old said that the Metro was not practical for commuters wanting to get to their destination as fast as possible.
“I also have my family living in Sharjah. I don’t think there is any other way to get to another emirate unless it’s by taxi or private vehicle.”
Souad Benali, 55, cycles to work every day. “I think if the distance is not too far and it’s safe, then everyone should cycle to work,” she said.
It takes her between 10-15 minutes to get to her work on Al Wasl Road from Jumeirah, where she lives. Ms Benali called the Car Free Day a great idea. “I do it for health reasons and I do it for the environment, there is no downside here.”
For Ali Khan, using public transport is a good option when he is not in a hurry.
“If I plan for it, and I’m not late for a meeting or anything, I will take the Metro or bus. It’s cheaper and it’s less of a hassle, because parking can be very annoying at times,” said the 27-year-old.
“However, public transport can take so much more time. A 30-minute car ride can be an hour or more on the Metro.”
Mr Khan said that he would leave his car at home on Sunday in support of the initiative.
“All it takes is a little more planning and maybe waking up a little earlier, and that doesn’t seem too difficult to do for the sake of the environment.”
The Roads and Transport Authority’s free journey planner app, Wojhati, allows people to see Metro station locations, as well as bus, metro and tram routes.
It also provides data on arrival time, trip duration, fares, directions to destination and alerts in case of delays.
Once a person enters their location and their destination, the app provides transport options and total costs.
The Google Maps app provides the user with three options: public transport, vehicles and walking.
It also issues alerts for congestion and provides alternate routes.
Journeys can also be planned by calling the RTA on 8009090 or in visiting the website rta.ae.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
