UAE | Traffic and Transport

Stiff fines for running to catch Dubai Metro

Official says that safety and security of the commuters and Metro property are top priorities for the RTA

By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
Published: 00:00 May 16, 2010

Image Credit: VIRENDRA SAKLANI/Gulf News
A train leaves the World Trade Centre station, which is one of the three new Dubai Metro stations opened by the Roads and Transport Authority on the Red Line yesterday.

Dubai: Dubai Metro users should avoid running in the stations to catch trains as it poses a danger to other users and property, said a senior official.

The warning came as a commuter complained that he was slapped with a fine for running inside the station to catch a train.

"We advise passengers not to run in the stations or the platform because trains come every six minutes during peak hours and every eight minutes during off-peak hours," said Ramadan Abdullah, Director of Rail Operations at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

He said running could be dangerous for other commuters, especially during peak hours.

Abdullah, however, said that any commuter who has objection against any fines issued by the Metro inspectors has the right to complain to the RTA.

"We have closed circuit cameras installed at the stations, on the tracks and even inside the trains with recording facility for up to 28 days and can always find out whether the fine slapped was right or wrong," he said, adding that safety and security of the commuters and Metro property are top priorities for the RTA.

Comments (33)

Added 19:30 May 16, 2010

Who will define the difference between running and walking swiftly. Everywhere around the world on travel spots be it airports, metro stations, bus stops or train stations, people run to catch their transport. What is so unique about Dubai? Is it another reason for RTA to make money?

Hasan, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 18:26 May 16, 2010

What about walking REALLY REALLY fast,Hopping on one leg or Skipping along are these fineable as well !!

kevin laing, dubai, Afghanistan

Added 18:23 May 16, 2010

Running close to platform to catch METRO has a reason to, he must be in a hurry to reach in time, not to waste time minutes for seconds. Running on the platform are to be considered as quick steps (Should not be considered as running) to get into the train, it is natural instinct. How can you control this habit?

SJ Huq, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 17:40 May 16, 2010

Can we have a complete list of rules that need to be followed issued or distributed at all the stations free of charge. We here a new rule coming up every week.

Gurpreet Singh, Dubai, Afghanistan

Added 16:58 May 16, 2010

I never heard of being fined for running at a platform to catch a train. Implementing such fines for running is outrageous. I travel from KBWR Station to Nakheel Harbour but there are no feeder buses to JLT. When Marina Station opened, RTA announced that feeder buses will run, but to a great disappointment the feeder buses are only on the Marina and no feeder buses run to JLT again. There are a number of people walking down from Marina Station to JLT in the morning heat. Request RTA to implement buses at the earliest to JLT from Marina or open the JLT Metro Station.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:42 May 16, 2010

Running to catch a Metro is a PUNISHABLE act by a fine? It is a big surprise. Yes running to catch a train while doors closing can be dangerous but not to be punished by a fine. Sounds ridiculous. Running by a criminal and running to catch a train should be treated different. Tomorrow this rule will be applied to catch a bus or a taxi too, it should not be fined.

SJ Huq, Dubai, Afghanistan

Added 16:38 May 16, 2010

Recently Marina station has been open and there is an exit to JLT too which helps commuters to JLT which is not connected by any other public transport service (except taxis), however it would be very much appreciated alteast until the JLT opens, if a feeder bus would service the JLT area from the Marina station as the summer had begun and walking so long has become very difficult.

Varghese Samuel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:33 May 16, 2010

Can we walk fast then? without getting fined?

Sam , Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:04 May 16, 2010

I have used the London Underground system and they never fined people for running. Just implementing fines for running is completly outrageous. People would have fair explanations for why they are running - it's not just for the heck of it. If someone loses a job is that person being guaranteed a way out of it, or some sort of concession by the RTA? Because if not, than its just not fair. If it such a huge deal - the right idea would be educating commuters to be more sensitive to fellow commuters and not run at all, or at such speeds that could be a possible discomfort or harm to others.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:41 May 16, 2010

The new station at Noor Islamic Bank, Al Quoz is good,,,but there should be feeder buses to residential areas around. I work for Emirates Airlines and live in Emirates Accomodation, 10mins walk from the new Al Khail Mall. Appreciate that RTA introduces feeder bus from Noor Islamic station to Emirates Accomodation & vice versa. There are over 40,000 families living inside this Salwan property and would much appreciate this service. Best regards.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates