Hike in parking fees will not encourage the use of public transport, say residents

Residents in Dubai are disappointed at the government's decision to hike parking fees. Even though many of them think that it will encourage the use of public transportation, the hike will add to the list of 'skyrocketing' expenses they have to bear every month.

Egyptian national Sherif Al Wakeel said he was not happy about the parking tariff hike. "We are already suffering skyrocketing prices, and do even have a problem with insufficient parking spaces."

Al Wakeel added the hike will not encourage the use of public transport. "The same was said about Salik ... but traffic congestion is still there."

Indian national Abik Devan said public transport in Dubai isn't ready to handle an increased amount of users, which will come because of this hike. "I would've agreed with it if there was infrastructure supporting it. But right now it makes things harder for residents. Two metro lines and a couple of main bus routes, does not make the public transport system ample, they need more bus corridors and cycle-friendly paths," suggested Devan. Jordanian Adnan Ukasha said this way a daily trip from Sharjah to Dubai would cost him Dh8 more. "I pay some Dh24 for Salik going and coming back, plus Dh8 for a 3-hour on-street parking, but will have to shed Dh16 instead for the same three-hour parking."

Indian national Suhaib Abdullakutty said: "It is unlikely that a parking fee increase in only 30,000 parking slots will encourage the use of public transport as stated. If the objective is to reduce traffic in such areas, it should have been realised by now through the availability of public transport."Sudanese national Sulaiman Al Mahi said he is afraid of more hikes. "This way Salik tariff and others may also be increased. This is too much. I wish the body concerned would reconsider this tariff spike. It just adds to our financial burdens."

Indian national Ridhan Assadi, a user of the RTA Parking card said he is worried about the increase in the price of the cards. "I understand RTA encouraging public transportatiom. However, I do not use public transport mainly because of the time it takes for me to get from one place to another. Also, I use public transport a lot during winters... I heavily depend on RTA's Zona A Parking Card to get around.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE