Salik SMS system 'is frustrating'

Dubai: The SMS system adopted by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to inform motorists about Salik related information is ineffective, motorists have said.

Motorists, who register for the toll system to use Salik gates are supposed to receive an SMS on their phones regarding their account information but many said they are totally "blank" about their Salik account status.

"I did receive a message when my Salik account was low but I did not receive any message after I recharged it to continue to use toll gates," said Chris, a British national. He said that it was frustrating to call the Salik toll free number because they never have proper answer.

"I bought a Salik tag in August but did not receive any SMS on my account number and pin number. Despite repeated calls to customer service centre, I gave up and started using alternate routes," said Sukkbeer, an Indian businessman.

'Fax me details'

Kurian David, another motorist in Dubai, said he purchased his Salik tag and got his pin number by SMS in mid-August. "Unfortunately my account has not been activated yet and the available balance shows "0" in my account," he said.

He said he has been following up the matter with customer service staff for a month and has faxed his vehicle registration copy and salik application form to them at least four different times.

"Every time I call the toll free number the representative tells me 'fax me a copy of your vehicle registration card and it will be done immediately,'" he said. But nothing has been done.

A Gulf News reader said that she uses Salik over the weekend. "I received an SMS that my account needed to be topped up, which I did promptly.

"I deposited Dh50 in my Salik account at a petrol station counter. This was done two weeks ago. I still have not received a confirmation. The system was quick to inform me that my account was low but has failed to let me know if it has accepted payment," she said.

Another motorist Abbas Sabir said: "I tried my best to communicate to Salik to correct my error in account number while recharging but failed." He faxed a receipt as well as covering letter with all details to a person's name particularly advised.

After 5 days of follow-up he was informed that the fax was not received. After another follow up for 5 days, he was told to e-mail all the details. No action has been taken so far.

I am a user of Salik from day one. Recently my last recharge I did not get any SMS for the same. But what I did was checked my account on the website and it showed me a credit of whatever amount I had recharged. Another request to the authorities is to provide online recharge facilities using credit cards.
Mansoor
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2007, 09:04

I received a message when my Salik account was low but I did not receive any message after I recharged it. So checked the Salik website, the credit is clearly shown there. May be the SMS system failed, but the website is prompt.
Jain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2007, 08:45

I have installed Salik in my car two weeks back and till now I have not received the account number. Every time I am calling toll free number they are telling to fax the details and no use after faxing the details several times. Is salik meant for complicating the traffic or to make things easy?
Shamsheer
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2007, 08:35

The customer servicer at Salik is definitely slow or they just don't know how to go about a complaint. I topped up my Salik card on Sept 7th with Dh50, which has still not been credited to my account, and upon contacting the Salik toll free number (which took me a whole day) have since been asked to fax and email my details alongwith the receipt. They did email me back that they would look into the matter, but the problem is still not solved.
Fadia
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2007, 08:33

And addition to the this news when ever you try to log on with your user name and password it will take you to the error page for at least 5 to 6 times and if you are lucky then only you will get to view your balance.
Ahmed
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2007, 08:31

I bought by Salik tag in July. But still I havent got any sms regarding my PIN and account no. even after repeated calls I was not able to get to any of the customer care representatives and now I have lost hope for any solution.
Abel
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2007, 08:26

I think as long as the tag is recharged and getting deducted properly and no body has been charged extra, then SMS is not an issue.
Abdallah
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2007, 08:16

5 vehicles under my corporate Salik account have been recorded with wrong tag numbers. Due to this we are being charged for trips made by other vehicles. I have repeatedly tried getting the issue resolved by calling the toll free number or emailing Salik customer service but no satisfactory response as yet. I am still being charged for other people using Salik.
Farida
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2007, 07:32

I received a message that my account had zero balance. Thereafter, I topped it up at an EPPCO station. Its been one week and I have not received any SMS confirming my new balance.
Murtuza
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2007, 07:11

As for my experience, calling Salik helpdesk for assistance, they "always" say: "Please visit out office with your documents to look into your account discripencies". It's sad to get responses like this.
Karkain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2007, 07:10

I wonder if RTA could sell recharge cards for Salik similar to the mobile phones recharge cards. It should also dedicate a phone service where you can key in your tag number and check the balance after you made the recharge.
Saif
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: September 19, 2007, 05:31