Drivers around JLT, will have noticed signboards for dedicated bus and taxi lane. From 1 July, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will start the implementation of Phase 3 of Dedicated Bus and Taxi Lanes (Masar) covering a short distance of 1.8 kilometres at the approaches of Jumeirah Lakes Metro Station.
A fine of Dhs 600 will be issued to those vehicles which will enter the dedicated lane. Fines will be issued either through RTA’s surveillance cameras or manually through Dubai Police patrols.
“During the past few months, the preparatory phase of this scheme started in the area, but without involving, fines. The introduction of the system has seen a reduction in the number of vehicles using the dedicated bus and taxi lane”, said Adel Shakri, RTA’s director of transportation systems. “The main objective of the scheme is to curb traffic congestion through offering speedy, effective and safe public transport services,” added Shakri.
In 2010, RTA had implemented Phase I of the Dedicated Bus and Taxi Lanes system and covers over six kilometres on Al Mankhool Street from Satwa roundabout to Sheikh Rashid Street, and Al Khaleej Street from the intersection with Khalid bin Al Waleed Street to Al Musalla Street (opposite the Hyatt Regency Hotel).
It also covered the area from Khalid bin Al Waleed Street from the intersection of Al Mina Road up to Street 16, and Al Ghubaiba Street from the intersection of Al Mina Road up to Street 12.
In 2011, RTA introduced Phase 2 covering parts of Naif Street extending one km from Al Musalla Street up to Al Khaleej Street.
It also included parts of Ittihad Street in the direction of Sharjah to Dubai extending one km from the entry point to Dubai up to the Al Nahda intersection.