Dubai: Ending your fast inside the Metro trains during Ramadan will invite a fine, a senior Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) official has warned.
Ramadan Abdullah, Director of Operations of Rail Agency at the RTA, said: "Eating is not allowed on the trains. And this rule won't change. Anyone inside the train who wants to end his fast can just disembark at the next station. People can sit on the chairs in the platforms and eat."
Abdullah said parents who wish to feed their babies must also disembark at the nearest Metro station — but should not feed their baby inside the trains.
"Honestly, we've seen someone feeding a child on the train and wiping her hand on the seat. Others wouldn't like to use dirty seats. Hence, we would like to protect other commuters by avoiding possible spillage of food or mess created while eating. We also have to protect our assets. We don't want to end up with dirty and smelly units." He also pointed out that many train stations have small restaurants and convenience stores that sell food and beverages. "Eating in the Metro station platform area is already allowed, and it will be allowed after the end of the fast," he said. He also urged commuters to follow local laws and avoid eating and drinking at the Metro stations during the fasting hours.
Inspectors slap a Dh200 fine for eating, drinking or chewing gum while travelling on the Metro. Earlier, eating was only allowed in restaurants on the stations' concourses, but the "no eating and drinking" signs have been taken off from the Metro stations.
Abdullah said the Metro will run one hour longer throughout the entire month of Ramadan over its regular timings.
Ramadan metro timings extended
- Saturday to Wednesday: 6am to 12 midnight
- Thursday: 6am to 1am
- Friday: 1pm to 1am
- Feeder buses: 6am to 1am
