Car pooling regulations soon

Dubai: Regulations for car pooling are being finalised and will be announced soon, said a senior official.

"We encourage car pooling but there is difference between running an illegal taxi and sharing a car with friends or colleagues to reduce the number of cars on roads," said Khalid Mohammad Hashim, Director of Planning and Business Development Department at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

He said that "pooling a car" for monetary gain is illegal but sharing a car with colleagues going to the same location is allowed.

"We are currently finalising regulations to streamline the car pooling system because it is one of the key initiatives the RTA is taking to encourage people to reduce the use of private vehicles by individuals," he said.

He said the RTA is considering to introduce system allowing motorists to register their cars to be used for "car pooling service".

However, he said that motorists using their cars as illegal taxis are fined at least Dh2,000.

A good example should start from the same organization. An an example, Dubai Municipality has successfully implemented bus services for it staff more than two years ago, but RTA has failed to do so. Therefore, car pooling should be implemented at RTA first to set the example. "Enforcement" will eventually repel people from residing or even investing in Dubai. I hope other social issues are also considered, in addition to Traffic Impact Assessments.
Karkain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 11, 2007, 08:10

Can't we have a rule that says expatriates should have only one car per family which can be controlled by the husband's visa?
Muhammed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 11, 2007, 08:10

I'm concerned that the RTA don't appear have any long-term plans to ease the Dubai traffic problem, and are announcing new key initiatives at a rate of two or three each day! The latest, regarding car pooling, is yet another over-reaction to the problem.
Anthony
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 11, 2007, 08:09

I often find it difficult to travel to Deira because of the lack of taxis and illegal taxis often come to my aid and saves me a lot of tim.
Muhammad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 11, 2007, 08:08

Encouraging car pooling is a great idea and it will surely make a difference in the present traffic situtaion.
Afzal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 11, 2007, 07:55

I had been in Dubai for last nine years. Recently I migrated to Singapore where they have a system that would only allow people who earn an equivalent of Dh10,000 to own a car. These car owners will also have to replace their car after 10 years. Dubai can benefit from this.
Ramanathan
Singapore City,Singapore
Posted: September 11, 2007, 07:29

It seems there is absolutely no limit on the amount of money being charged to motoprists. The RTA wants empty roads: use Salik! They want fewer vehicles: register and pay up for car pooling. This is ridiculous.
Mohamed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 11, 2007, 07:04

We hear about official taxis not stopping to lift passengers or taxi drivers selecting their passengers. If we will only allow private vehicles to come in as competition, then maybe these taxi drivers will realise their mistake.
Leonard
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 11, 2007, 06:45

Car pooling is a very big relief for the people since taxi drivers in Dubai are often rude to passengers.
Andrew
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 11, 2007, 06:00

RTA can start sending buses in industrial areas based on shift timings or office timings. Subsidised fare for office travel can also encourage people to use public transport.
Singh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 11, 2007, 01:58

My wife is doing a three shift system duty. Her company does not provide transport services. She finds it easier to hail a taxi when going to work.
Noel
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 11, 2007, 01:56

That is a good initiative but I do not think anyone will actually have themselves registered.
Wosim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 11, 2007, 01:50