Early commuters in Dubai ride without much fanfare

Early commuters in the emirate of Dubai, where Public Transport Day is celebrated today, were slightly disappointed by their early morning trip.

“It was as usual,” says Preeti, a Dubai resident.

On Public Transport Day the Roads and Transport Authority  encourages commuters in the emirate to leave behind their vehicles and make use of different means of transportation, like the metro, the bus and the water taxi.

This year being the third consecutive celebration of public transportation, the RTA announced free transportation for Nol card holders all day long, paired with a range of activities like quizzes where winners will be awarded with iPads, bikes and Nol cards; mobile artists and the Find the Key contest. “I did not see anything like this,” says Neesha, who traveled from Bur Dubai to her office in Business Bay during the early morning hours.

“I expected to see at least a book mark, but there was not any sign of a special day.

Also travelers that used the metro somewhat later in the morning were surprised by the absence of fanfare. “I took the metro at 9 o’clock from Bur Dubai, but did not find anything special. The ride was for free, but that would be the only thing,” says Preeti.

Neither was there an accumulated crowd of metro users. “Same people, same metro ride,” says Preeti. “I did expect the metro to be a little more crowded as the ride is for free today. But it was as crowded as usual.”

“Maybe today is mostly enjoyed by people who already use the metro every day, as the ride is free for Nol card users,” argues Patty, another metro user.

“You have to swipe your card, but nothing will be deducted. It is a nice gesture to us, but I doubt if it will attract more metro users.”