Dubai public transport finds favour as parking fees rise

Many residents leave their car behind, saving up to Dh500 monthly by opting for public transport

- SM Ayaz Zakir

The introduction of a dynamic parking tariff system in Dubai is changing the way residents move around the city. Many are leaving their cars behind and turning to public transport instead.

From rising private parking costs to hourly rate hikes at Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) parkings, residents and business owners say driving every day no longer makes sense, especially in areas like Deira, Al Ras or near the city centre.

According to RTA, dynamic toll and parking systems have helped ease congestion; traffic volumes have dropped by 2.3 per cent while public transport use is up by one per cent. But on the ground, people are adjusting their daily routines just to manage these costs.