Dubai’s public transportation system undergoes changes; Taxi fare, no top-ups, new parking company and more
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Your definitive guide to all the recently announced changes to the public transport system.
When Dubai resident Erica booked a taxi from Global Village to Al Barsha, the fare was higher than when she took a taxi from her home to the family destination. This was due to “dynamic pricing” that was made applicable to both regular metered and ride-hailing taxi services.
Several changes have been implemented in Dubai’s public transport system, including increasing the nol card recharge minimum at Metro stations. A new company has also been announced that will oversee the operations of public parking spaces, while parking at Dubai Mall will soon become a paid service, using a barrier-free system implemented by the toll operator. salik.
What is the new flag down rate for Dubai taxis?
The flag drop fee (the initial charge incurred at the beginning of a taxi trip) has increased 12h to 20 dirhams in some pickup areas at certain times during important events.
The increase in taxi fares does not affect the entire city. According RTAThe introduction of new flag rates for regular metered taxis and Hala Taxi service will apply only during the days of major events, exhibitions and international conventions at venues such as the World Trade Center, Expo City and Global Village.
This was implemented last New Year’s Eve and only at certain locations where there were fireworks displays, including Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Hatta, Al Seef, Bluewaters, The Beach and Global Village.
How does it work?
If there are major events, exhibitions or international conventions at the World Trade Center or Expo City, the drop rate of the flag, if it starts its journey from those areas, is 20 dirhams. If there are no events, the taxi price will start at 12h.
The same rates apply when booking a taxi from Global Village. Because it is open during the current season, the fee to lower the flag is 20 dirhams; then go back to 12h when closed during the summer months.
However, there is no increase in the flag rate when booking a taxi outside the locations mentioned above. That is, the flag drop fare for passengers who will be picked up at the Mall of the Emirates or Times Square, Deira city centre, or at their place of work or residence, will remain 12h.
Why do rates fluctuate?
It’s called ‘dynamic pricing’ – the rate fluctuates based on demand. This usually occurs during rush hour, when there are more people on the road and there is a high demand for transportation. More passengers means more traffic and the fare increases to compensate for the time and gasoline (or electricity for electric vehicles) that will be used to transport people. The rate increase, however, is temporary. Rates are cheaper during the day when there is less demand.
According RTAthe introduction of new rates with a downward flag for both regular metered taxis and Hala Taxi The service is applicable during the days of major events, exhibitions and international conventions at venues such as Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), Expo City and Global Village.
“Through these changes, (our goal) is to continually improve and develop both Hala Taxi’s regular taxi services and e-taxi service, especially during major events that usually see a significant increase in demand for taxi services by part of residents, visitors and tourists. traveling to Dubai from all over the world.”
he RTA he said in an earlier statement.
Is dynamic pricing new?
Dynamic pricing is not new and has always been applied by taxi companies. Taxi fares in Dubai are based on the type of taxi, pick-up time and location, trip duration and distance travelled. The minimum normal taxi fare or flag rate for booking online is Dh12 with an additional Dh1.97 per kilometre. Dubai airport taxi fare starts at 25 dirhams; while taxis stopped on the road will have different flag rates, ranging from 5 ADH during non-peak hours to 9 ADH during peak hours.
How can travelers save money?
When there are events at DWTC or Expo City, it is best to take the Dubai Metro. You can avoid heavy traffic and it is also much cheaper than taking a taxi. The Metro is well connected to all modes of land transportation: bus, taxi and private vehicles. Travelers can also bring their folding bicycles and electric scooters on board the cabins.
Meanwhile, there are four dedicated bus routes serving Global Village visitors during its 2023-24 season and the fare for a one-way trip to Global Village is 10 dirhams.
What has changed when recharging nol card?
Currently, nol cards can be completed with a minimum of dh5. but starting January 15The minimum recharge of nol cards at the Metro station ticket offices will be 20 dirhams. However, this does not apply to travelers who reload their cards online, at ticket machines, through apps or at kiosks outside Metro stations.
Metro fares remain the same. Meanwhile, travelers should have a balance of 15 dirhams on your nol card to cover a round trip on the Metro transportation network.
What is the reason behind this?
He RTA said to implement a new node card recharge requirement 20 dirhams “it will guarantee a smooth browsing experience and minimize waiting times” at Metro station ticket offices.
Where can you use nol cards?
As a prepaid smart card, the nol card is used to pay for public transport in Dubai, including Dubai Metro, buses, trams and water buses. It can also be used to pay for taxi fares, parking, entry to some public parks in Dubai, the Etihad Museum and more than 2,000 shops, restaurants and businesses in the city. There is also a loyalty and rewards program launched by RTA for nol more card holders. Members earn points and receive special benefits every time they use their nol card to pay for Dubai Metro, taxi fares, public buses or parking fees.
However, several public parks in Dubai no longer accept nol cards.
Residents who visited parks in different locations in Dubai recently reported the change.
New parking company
On January 3, Dubai announced a new company that will operate solely public and private parking spaces across the city.
Called ‘Biscuit‘, the public joint stock company (PJSC) will also be responsible for issuing relevant permits to people, including special parking permits for people of determination.
Biscuitthat will have financial, administrative and legal autonomy to fulfill its responsibilities, also
“establish, design and manage private parking spaces in addition to investing in related commercial activities.”
Paid parking coming soon to Dubai Mall
In the third quarter of this year, parking at Dubai Mall will become a paid service, using a barrier-free system implemented by the toll operator. salik.
The shopping center has more than 13,000 parking spaces. salik will be responsible for designing, financing, developing, installing and managing the parking management system, while Dubai Mall will provide the necessary local infrastructure, office space and parking maintenance. This will be the first time salik will diversify its income away from tolls.
How will parking fees be collected?
Emaar Malls is yet to define the charges, but the fees will be deducted from the salik user account.
The barrier-free parking system will use the same automatic license plate recognition and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology used for tracking. salik labels. A camera will capture the license plate number as you enter the parking deck and record the time of entry. Upon departure, the camera will scan the license plate number again and the system will calculate the parking time.
Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO and member of the board of directors of Salik Company PJSCsaying salik is actively exploring options for the growth of the private parking market in Dubai, which is estimated at over 50,000 parking spaces.
Other shopping centers and hypermarkets already apply parking fees, but they all use a barrier system. At Mall of the Emirates, parking is free only for the first four hours of Monday to Friday (Monday to Friday). After that, a parking fee applies for each additional hour or part of an hour, from 20 dirhams for five to six hours of parking, up to 350 dirhams overnight. Parking is free on weekends and holidays.
News Source: Khaleej Times
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