Dubai’s population is growing fast, and so are the number of cars on the road.
If you think this may have an impact on traffic, Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) already has an effective plan to keep things moving. The variable Salik rates is one of the main measures that were introduced to keep the traffic pressure under check. Other measures included flexible working hours, remote work policies and dynamic parking rates, all of which have seen positive impacts in offsetting the traffic congestions.
According to the latest data reviewed by the RTA, the introduction of variable Salik rates from January this year has already succeeded in reducing traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road by 9 percent. The variable Salik rates are priced at Dhs 6 during weekday peak-hours, from 6am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm. Evidently, more people have taken alternative routes during the peak hours to avoid the excess charges, thereby reducing traffic pressure on the road.
RTA also highlighted that it is undertaking massive road projects and investments, up to Dhs 40 billion, to support the growing population and ease traffic pressures. The upcoming Blue Line on the Dubai Metro is also expected to cut traffic around the areas it serve by over 9 percent.