UAE's Etihad Rail introduces fines of up to AED 5,000 for passenger misconduct

Dubai: Etihad Rail has introduced a schedule of fines ranging from AED 200 to AED 5,000 under its passenger charter, including a AED 500 penalty for disruptive, abusive, threatening or intimidating behaviour on trains and within stations. The measures form part of Etihad Rail’s efforts to ensure the safety, comfort and wellbeing of passengers, staff and authorised personnel across the UAE’s passenger rail network. Disruptive behaviour penalised According to the fines schedule, offences carrying a AED 500 fine include any conduct that affects the comfort or safety of passengers or staff, such as: Making loud noises Harassment Verbal abuse Threatening behaviour Polluting trains or stations Spitting The same AED 500 penalty applies to smoking, using tobacco products or electronic smoking devices in prohibited areas, including trains and stations. Fines of up to AED 5,000 Etihad Rail has imposed a AED5,000 fine for damaging train carriages or station property, including vandalism, graffiti and unauthorised writing or drawing on facilities. Other violations carrying fines of up to AED5,000 include: Preventing train doors from closing before departure Opening or attempting to open train doors while the train is moving Opening doors when the train is not stopped at a station Tampering with or activating safety equipment without valid reason Misusing emergency alarms, emergency brakes or fire extinguishers Throwing objects into, towards or from trains or railway facilities Common offences The fines schedule also includes several violations punishable by AED200, including: Littering Placing feet on train seats Travelling without a valid ticket Occupying reserved seats without permission Additional legal action possible Under the passenger charter, Etihad Rail employees are authorised to issue fines for violations committed aboard trains, within stations or at facilities managed by the company. Etihad Rail stressed that payment of a fine does not prevent the company from referring cases to the relevant authorities, including the Public Prosecution, or pursuing further legal action under applicable laws. The company noted that additional penalties, including imprisonment where permitted by law, may also apply depending on the nature of the offence.