UAE | Traffic and Transport

Dedicated bus, taxi lanes in Dubai

From May 15, a penalty of Dh600 will be slapped on violators

By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
Published: 11:59 March 24, 2010

The newly introduced bus and taxi lane along Khaleed Bin Waleed road in Bur Dubai

Image Credit: Hadrian Hernandez/Gulf News
The newly introduced bus and taxi lane along Khaleed Bin Waleed road in Bur Dubai.

Image 1 of 7: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Dubai: Motorists will be slapped with a Dh600 fine if they drive on the dedicated road lanes for buses and taxis, to be introduced in Dubai from May 1 this year.

"Private motorists will not be allowed to drive on the dedicated bus and taxi lanes round-the-clock and the police will start issuing fines from May 15 after a comprehensive education campaign for the first two weeks," Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, deputy commander-in-chief of Dubai Police said.

How to use the RTA Google map journey planner

He was speaking at a press conference held yesterday by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to announce the introduction of dedicated bus and taxi lanes on selected roads in Dubai.

He said there would be a complete ban for motorists to drive in dedicated lanes, but the police would monitor the situation for at least three months to consider any amendments in the road usage.

Nevertheless, police, ambulances and civil defence vehicles are allowed to use the dedicated lanes. Private motorists are, however, allowed to use the dedicated lanes to access and exit from side roads or to take U-turns.

Comments (33)

Added 17:27 March 25, 2010

I think Installation of Traffic Cylinders and one warning sign at beginning is better then just yellow lane. If RTA does this then 99 % drivers (knowing or unknowingly the law), avoid to use the Buses/Taxies lane.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:10 March 25, 2010

It is a good initiative from RTA. This will definitely streamline the traffic flow. however, will the buses and taxis be fined if they drive on other lanes? As it is a single lane, can a taxi overtake the bus by comming onto the lane for private cars?

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:02 March 25, 2010

This is simply fantastic news! It will help regulate movement of other vehicles and benefit people using public transport. Further it may also reduce accidents caused mostly by the taxi drivers due to their bad driving habits. Well done RTA and keep up the good work. Also, would like to congratulate Mr. Mattar Al Tayer, chief of RTA for his remarkable dedication and using his resources in a very effective and admirable way. The beautiful existing infrastructure and ongoing projects of Dubai is testimony of his dynamic qualities under the esteem leadership, vision and guidance of HH the Ruler of Dubai.

Vaseem Baig, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:44 March 25, 2010

For those who are complaining about buses/taxis not driving on the dedicated lanes, please see picture 7 carefully and you'll notice the shadow of the person who is taking picture. Buses/taxis are not driving in those lanes because there is someone standing there taking the pictures :)

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:32 March 25, 2010

The bus lanes should also be usable by bicycles and motorcycles. These take up almost no space on the road, and it avoids them lane-splitting between queues of cars. Obviously, travel opposing normal traffic direction would be forbidden.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:30 March 25, 2010

A very positive move by RTA to organize the flow of traffic, definitel its going to cut down congestion at roads specially at the peak hours. Heavy vehicles would be stopped to show indiscipline while poking their vehicles into a saloon car, as they know none will take the risk for the sake of their cars and it happens. Another side of it is even saloon cars won't be allowed to enter heavy vehicles area until its really necessary.Hats off !! to RTA for their effort, I hope this will turn into a blessing for all the drivers on road.

Fauzia Raza, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:24 March 25, 2010

This is great news for Public Transport users. Great way to go RTA

Suresh S., Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:28 March 25, 2010

How about if this taxi drivers going to use in private vehicle lanes,swerving stop,drop or pick up passenger anywhere parts of the road.they are going to get fine too?

Ben, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:20 March 25, 2010

it will be now better idea to travel by public transprt then using personal cars. it will help reduce trafiic congestion also..

Zaid Amin Dhanji, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:34 March 25, 2010

The bus connectivity in dubai is still not upto the mark. this will just slow down the rest of the traffic by about 33% leading to more fuel consumption and more co2 footprint for the city.

Mike Adams, Sheffield, United Kingdom