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Dubai: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has allowed car pooling to reduce the use of cars by individuals.
"Now people can drive their friends and colleagues to and from their homes and workplaces without fear of getting fines if they get approval from the RTA," said Khalid Mohammad Hashim, Director of Planning and Business Development Department at the RTA.
A motorist who intends to share his or her car with friends or colleagues must register the car with the RTA. Online registration on RTA's website will open within a month.
After registration, motorists will be given certificates allowing them to share their cars. But the names of the persons sharing the car should be furnished at the time of registration to avoid a fine. A maximum of four people will be allowed to share a car, Hashim said.
Currently, RTA inspectors issue a Dh5,000 fine to a motorist for car pooling or running an illegal taxi. The fine is aimed at stopping people from using their cars as illegal taxis. But there have been numerous complaints of motorists being fined while sharing cars with friends and colleagues.
The RTA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with eight public and private sector companies urging them to transport their employees in buses to reduce the use of cars.
"The RTA is also working closely with companies to help them introduce flexible working hours for their employees as it will help reduce traffic congestion by 30 per cent," said Eisa Al Dossari, Chief Executive Officer of the RTA's Public Transport Agency
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