The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has always been determined to make sure that public transport is available to all, that the emirate’s infrastructure is developed with a focus on moving people smoothly and that it is determined to get as many people as possible in the city using public transport as they go about their daily activities.
In recent years, it has overseen the heavy investment in new roads, metro, state-of-the-art buses and environment-friendly taxis. But all of this work is coming to naught because of the selfish acts of drivers who insist on hogging lanes that are clearly marked for buses and taxis only.
Effective April 1, the RTA is determined to ensure that any driver of any vehicle who enters the dedicated bus-and-taxi-only lanes will be penalised for their indiscretions. A Dh600 fine is to be enforced — and rightly so. If a driver of a private vehicle or truck is willing to be selfish and ties up these lanes needlessly, then fines indeed need to be imposed.
