Salik expansion under study - RTA

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UNDER STUDY: The RTA has admitted for the first time it is studying an expansion to Salik. (Getty Images)

Dubai's transport authority on Tuesday admitted for the first time it is studying the possibility of expanding its unpopular road toll scheme to other parts of the city.

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Chairman Mattar Al Tayer said the traffic department was evaluating the existing Salik system and conducting studies for future projects, and would not rule out the introduction of further toll gates, reported UAE daily Gulf News.

"I can't say yes or no on the second phase of the Salik toll system on Dubai roads," Al Tayer said, quoted the newspaper.

"But it does not mean that Salik is being introduced on other roads... We have not taken any decision on the implementation of the second phase of the Salik."

The RTA has been dogged by talk of a massive expansion to the existing scheme ever since Salik was launched in July last year.

However, the authority has previously always denied it is studying an expansion to the scheme.

Al Tayer's remarks will come as bad news to hundreds of thousands of motorists that have to pay 4 dirhams ($1.1) each time they pass through the toll gates located on Al Garhoud Bridge and on Sheikh Zayed Road next to Mall of the Emirates.

The last report on the expansion of Salik stated the RTA plans to cover all major roads and bridges in the emirate with toll gates by 2010, citing a senior official at the authority.

RELATED: RTA dogged by talk of massive Salik expansion

The official claimed there were plans to introduction toll gates on Emirates Road, Al Khail Road, Al Ittihad Road, Shindagha Tunnel, Business Bay Crossing and Maktoum Bridge by 2009.

The source also said gates would be erected on the yet-to-be-built Shindagha Bridge and a fifth bridge spanning Dubai Creek by 2010, bringing the total number of toll gates to 10.

According to Gulf News, Al Tayer said Salik had helped reduce traffic on Al Garhoud Bridge and Sheikh Zayed Road by 45%.

Many motorists now avoid using Al Garhoud Bridge to escape paying the toll, and the scheme has been heavily criticised for worsening congestion in other areas of Dubai, especially around Deira and Bur Dubai, as motorists take alternative routes.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Get real!
Posted by Parv, Dubai, UAE on Thursday 31 January 2008 at 18:05 UAE time


In response to Franco, I can't tell if your comment was tinged with a hint of sarcasm, but if not, then I have to say your reasoning would only make sense if the city actually offered reliable public transport...which we all know it doesn't.

Owning a car may be considered a luxury in other parts of the world, but not in Dubai, simply because the ease of purchasing and financing one, not to mention the favorable cost of fuel, ensure that any ol' Joe with a paying job can buy a 4x4.

The RTA have deluded themselves into believing that Salik has been successful -- any regular rush-hour commuter will tell you otherwise. This has nothing to do with "poor" people on the roads (as you so ignorantly put it) - take a look at the SZR, and you'll see plenty of Dhs. 150,000+++ cars making their way to Deira and beyond...mine included.

If Dubai really wants a solution, they should stop building leaky, inferior quality towers, and perhaps focus their efforts on developing affordable housing solutions for the masses in the concrete jungle now known as "New Dubai".

Salik
Posted by ismail, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 18:22 UAE time

In any part of the world when you build the motorway that provides a faster, alternative route you expect a Toll. You then assess whether to pay money for the benefit of reduced traveling time.

In Salik's case they add the toll to existing roads.

There is no additional value for my money.

go, go, go, salik!
Posted by langyaw, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 15:49 UAE time

RTA is definitely moving in the right direction. But 2010 is too far off. It should coincide with the operationalization of the metro and the launching of additional buses. This will show RTA's resolve of easing Dubai's traffic and improving public safety.

Rename Salik Toll Gate
Posted by Shak, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 14:25 UAE time

It is horrifying to see the huge gap between the RTA’s perception of ‘what is good for the public’ verses peoples real opinion.

If the RTA was genuinely concerned about the welfare of motorists in Dubai then it would have conducted a city wide survey among motorist asking if a toll gate was a good idea or anything else could be done to decongest the roads.

The existing one should be re-named from ‘Salik Toll Gate’ to ‘Shameful Toll Gate’.

RTA, listen to the people, after all you are charging them in every possible way.

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