Not many takers for a free ride

DUBAI — Though the lure of free rides on public transport might have encouraged several people to take the Metro and the bus, cars seemed to remain the preferred mode of transport on Public Transport Day, yesterday. However, though a majority of the general public used their cars, almost 19,000 government employees from 19 different departments took part in the campaign, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said.

Yesterday was the third annual such day, fixed on the first day of November every year. Public Transport Day project manager Hussain Mohammed Al Banna said about 20 government departments, including Dubai Municipality and the RTA, participated in the campaign.

“Since the chairmen of these departments travelled using public transport, it set an example for employees, as well.” He added that online campaigns, competitions and activities organised by the RTA were a huge success.

Passengers wait to get into the water bus at Bur Dubai on Thursday. — KT photo by Shihab

“The Facebook campaign for best picture of Public Transport received over 180 entries and the first three pictures will win iPads as prizes. The activities on Al Seef Road, the blood donation drive organised at Al Ghubaiba bus station and the health check up at Dubai Health Care City metro station also saw a huge turnout.”

The point of the campaign was to increase the health benefits that come from using public transport, which include avoiding the stress of driving, and the positive impact of the five to 10 minute walk public transport users take, he said.

Official figures of public participation will be released on Sunday according to Al Banna.

However, the major roads in Dubai, including the Airport Tunnel Road, Shaikh Zayed Road, Business Bay Crossing and Al Ittihad Road, saw the usual bumper-to-bumper traffic rush in the morning hours. Metro users added that the Red line was crowded during the morning office rush.

Khaleej Times spoke to many commuters, with some motorists like rajam mulkar, 25, describing traffic as “like any other Thursday”. Regular users said the rush was only slightly higher than usual.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com