Dubai: Public transportation in Dubai will be operational during the day, until the evening curfew kicks in.
The UAE’s sterilisation program against the coronavirus was first implemented from March 26-29, but has since been extended across the country until April 5, with a nationwide curfew from 8pm to 6am throughout the emirates.
“During the National Sterilisation days, all public transit means operated normally from 7am to 7pm while taxi services were offered via Careem and Uber apps,” said the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on its website.
In Dubai, worried commuters expressed their confusion as they were unsure as to whether they could still use public transportation during the day.
On Sunday, the RTA used its social media accounts to confirm that intercity bus timings have changed, and pointed out that all metro trains will run until 8pm before the curfew begins.
Buses
Public buses will start at 7am while the last trip will be at 6pm.
During the hours of curfew, from 8pm to 6am, a fleet of public transport buses will operate on 13 lines: 8, 10, 12, 13 A, 17, 24, C01, C07, F18, F21, F34, F43 and X23, with a trip every 30 minutes, and these lines serve 19 government and private hospitals.
“The RTA is renewing its commitment to the guidelines and directives of the nation's wise leadership by taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and health of the community. Your safety and health are our priority,” it announced.
During the implementation of the National Sterilisation Programme, InterCity bus trips have been changed as follow:
- From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and Hatta: 1st trip will start at 7am, while the last is at 4pm.
- From Dubai to Sharjah and Ajman: 1st trip is at 7am, while the last is at 5pm.
Metro
Meanwhile, metro users were assured that they will have ample time to reach their homes before the curfew begins, with Dubai Metro confirming that it will now be operating from 7am to 7pm.
As part of the authority’s measures against COVID-19 and the implementation of social distancing, a maximum number of two passengers are able to travel in Dubai taxis, while passengers of buses and metros have to maintain a safe distance between each other.
The last journey on the Red Line will depart at 6.02pm from Rashidiya Station to UAE Exchange Station, and at 6.02pm from UAE Exchange Station to Rashidiya Station. On the Green Line, the last train will depart from Creek Station to Etisalat Station at 6.13pm, and and the last train departs from Etisalat Station to Creek Station at 6.17pm. The last intercity bus service will start at 4pm to Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, and 5pm to Ajman and Sharjah.
And starting from March 29, the Ministry of Interior has launched a new service for motorists who want to renew their driving licence.
“Motorists may apply for the renewal of their driving license, which expire over the next three months using the available smart applications. It allows for drivers’ license renewal for up to one year, regardless of eyes’ test or fines and black points, in an effort to enhance health and safety, as part of the precautionary and preventive measures amid the widespread coronavirus pandemic,” announced the ministry.
The decision allows customers to fully process their transactions via the smart applications or the Ministry of Interior’s website, to ensure that all vital services are provided without interruption.
