Opinion | Letters
September 16, 2008
Letters to the Editor: September 16, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:52 September 15, 2008
Added burden
The new tollgates at Al Safa and Al Maktoum Bridge have created additional burdens on our budgets ("Alternative routes feel the pressure of new toll system", Gulf News, September 10).
Salik definitely helped ease traffic on Al Maktoum Bridge, and I have not faced any congestion on the route since the new lanes were opened.
However, there is now increased chaos on alternative routes, especially because the existing public transport system is insufficient to handle the increasing number of commuters.
From Mr Dilip Rattesar
Dubai
Free nights
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should not charge Salik fees to commuters on Fridays and national holidays.
Additionally, charging for Salik from 10pm to 6am also seems to be illogical, as the main purpose of the tollgates is to reduce traffic congestion.
Why is it being applied during the night hours, when there are virtually no cars on the road?
I suggest that the authorities change the timings for tollgates, especially during holidays. It has become very inconvenient for residents.
From Mr George Varghese
UAE
Huge nuisance
The whole concept of Salik is a failure. Even though people take different routes to get to their destination, they end up stuck in long queues due to lack of infrastructure.
Additionally, it does not make sense to install a Salik tollgate at Al Safa, when it is only 10 kilometres away from the one on Al Garhoud Bridge.
Due to transportation issues, residents here are having a hard time trying to support their families, as they have to pay around Dh500 every month just for Salik.
I thought the tollgates were supposed to ease our minds, but instead, they have become a huge nuisance.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Higher worth
I stay in Deira and work at Al Qouz, so I have to pass through two tollgates. I pay Dh16 every day for Salik and am reimbursed by my employer.
I see no reason to blame the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for introducing the new Salik tollgates.
The toll fee that I pay now is worth much more than the gridlocks I had fought, the frustration I had undergone, the precious fuel that was spent stuck in traffic, and the criminal waste of my invaluable time.
I thank RTA for improving the traffic situation by introducing the new tollgates.
From Mr K. C. Unni
Dubai
Why charge?
It is a great relief for commuters to know that they have to pay just once if they are passing through both Al Safa and Al Barsha tollgates within an hour.
However, if they do take more than one hour to reach the next gate, why should they be charged?
It is not as if they have stopped midway for a picnic, rather they are stuck in traffic.
In such a case, commuters should not be charged at all, because Salik is supposed to mean 'clear'!
From Mr Nasser Usmani
Dubai
Exempt taxis
Salik is an additional burden for low income residents in Dubai, who are already suffering from the high cost of living and inflation.
Additionally, the increase in taxi fares is also tiresome, as commuters have to pay an extra Dh4 when they pass a tollgate.
Why aren't taxis exempted from this charge?
I suggest that Salik fees should be applied to private vehicle owners only.
Moreover, I urge employers to provide increments to their employees so that they can cope better.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Hard to digest
I found it hard to digest Gulf News's report and the photographs displaying poverty-stricken Indians modelling with designer bags and umbrellas ("India's poor: victims of fashionistas", September 10).
Such photographs seemed to mock the poor and destitute, rather than bring their plight to the fore.
Despite a booming economy and technological advancement, India still has a high proportion of people living in poverty, with high mortality rates and incidents of child labour.
Hurting the sensitivities of this highly vulnerable society at such a time is inhumane.
From Ms Shemi Kanayamkandy
Dubai
Encourage learning
Gulf News's recent report on education hit the nail on the head ("Poor English skills blamed as students turned away", September 10).
When many educators themselves are unable to pass international English language assessments, how do universities expect students to meet the standards?
Furthermore, the fact that the standard required is the same as for a native speaker; it makes it difficult for those who have no exposure to the language, except in the classroom.
The non-native speaker is at a huge disadvantage by comparison. The objective of education is to encourage learning, not kill incentive.
A fairer system would be to gradually introduce the English language requirement using a staggered system.
From Ms G. B.
UAE
Full name withheld by request
Winning ways
I agree with Gulf News's report on Roger Federer, as he is indeed back on track to regaining his number one title in tennis ("Fed Express is back on the road", September 10).
I do not think it was Rafael Nadal's absence that helped him win the US Open, although the final duel with Nadal would have been much tougher than his three-set win over Andy Murray.
Murray is Britain's only hope for winning a grand slam.
From Mr Mohammad Sulaiman
UAE
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