Free public transport in Dubai on Friday
05:41AM Wed 30 Oct, 2013
Dubai: Dozens of gifts will up for grabs for commuters including Nol cards and cash prizes apart from free trips on Friday as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) marks fourth Public Transport Day (PT Day) in Dubai.
More than half a million Nol card holders are expected to use free trips from 1am to midnight on Friday on Dubai Metro, public buses and water bus as RTA marks the annual event.
Being held under the theme of ‘Progress with Dubai’, the PT Day is marked to promote use of mass transit means among the masses and classes.
A slew of activities are planned for the day that includes, a public transport marathon starting from Burj Plaza, a used book expo, a marine parade at Dubai Creek, a Dubai Tram show as well as several health camps at different locations.
“We have planned activities that reflect the true benefits of using public transport on a daily basis. We believe using public transport improves fitness of commuters that is the reason why we organise health related activities on PT Day to drive home the point,” said Yousuf Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
Free medical checkups will be conducted for interested metro riders at the Dubai Healthcare City and Airport Terminal 3 stations, with the tests including blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, body weight and height. Additionally, a blood donation campaign will also be held at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station.
Lucky commuters will walk away with Gold and Silver Nol Cards worth between Dh500 and Dh400 each, while prizes are up for grabs for participants in various activities including the Public Transport Marathon.
“Public Transport Marathon will be different from the athletic marathon, it will involve groups of two to five participating in a scavenger hunt. We will allot a route to each group that will begin and end at Burj Plaza. The participants will have to use all public transport modes like metro, bus and water bus to complete the route,” said Al Ali, explaining the features of the marathon.
Each participating group will have three hours to complete the route, which will also include stops at designated metro and bus stations, where they will get clues that need to be solved while completing the route in time. The first three winners will walk away with cash prize of Dh10,000 to Dh5,000. People willing to participate can register at https://rta.playpass.com/a/2871-ptday. The marathon will start at 4pm.
In another important social campaign, RTA is organising a used book expo, encouraging people to donate their old books which will then be sold for price between Dh1 and Dh5. The proceeds of the sale will go to Rashid Paediatric Centre.
“Books have an important relationship with public transport. Many people like to use their daily travel time to read books which is very good. RTA would like to promote the idea of reading books as an added benefit of using public transport. You cannot read while driving but you can if you use public transport, that is why we are holding this campaign as part of PT Day,” added Al Ali.
Apart from common commuters, RTA is also encouraging public and private sector firms and departments to take part in the events as groups and the top three private and public sector firms will walk away with prizes.
Among the other activities include a Marine Parade on Dubai Creek that will see vessels owned by all government entities coming up with a spectacle from Al Seef Station to Al Ghubaiba station. The parade will be held from 5pm to 6pm.
RTA will also showcase its latest projects at different venues and among projects on display will be Dubai Tram show, that will involve a bus shaped as tram travelling along the tram route between 4pm and 11pm on Friday.
Metro stations, bus stops as well as other location including the Burj Plaza will wear a festive look with several children’s activities are also planned. Shutterbugs will an opportunity to win some cool prizes as the best photos uploaded on RTA’s Facebook page will be rewarded.
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