20 people of determination promote public transport

Dubai - It was a display to prove that people of determination can easily navigate the streets of Dubai.

To promote the use of public transport, around 20 people of determination took the Dubai Metro from Rashidiya to Jafiliya Metro Station and from there, hopped on to a public bus and headed towards the Etihad Museum, where they had a guided tour of the heritage institution.
It was a display to prove that people of determination can easily navigate the streets of Dubai and the occasion was also part of the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) Public Transport Day celebrations culminating on November 1.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Egyptian expat Tarek Farhat, 35, said: "Going around Dubai via the Metro is an amazing experience. Booths are designed to be accessible to wheelchair users and lifts have adequate space for the movement of wheelchairs.
"I can travel around Dubai on my own. In fact, I use public transport going to work," added Farhat, who's a graphic designer and social media coordinator at the Dubai Club for People of Determination.

Wheelchair basketball athlete Omeir Mohammad added: "As a person of determination, I really appreciate the Dubai Metro because it allows me to go to my trainings. My routine is based around the Metro, I take it in the afternoon for my basketball practice.
"Facilities inside the Metro stations are also people-of-determination-friendly. There are convenience stores and washrooms are clean," added the 21-year-old Dubai-born Pakistani national.
Mohammad said: "People of determination can also get free ride at the Metro. All we have to do is get an RTA Nol card, which costs around Dh70, and the card is valid for five years."
Mohammad praised the comfort and accessibility inside the Metro for people of determination, including the tactile floor paths and audio notices to guide visually-impaired persons, but he said there are still some improvements that need to be done outside the Metro stations.
"Inside (metro station) is perfect but to reach some of the stations, there are still some obstacles for people like us. Some footpaths outside the metro stations are cramped and not accessible to big wheel chairs. It would be helpful if some of these areas, within 200-metre radius of the station, are revisited and some improvements are made," he told Khaleej Times.
"But over-all, I agree that our needs and requirements are integrated in the government's development plans and services and I would like to promote the use of public transport in Dubai," Mohammad added.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

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