Metros and trams in Dubai will stop operations from today. The new move comes as part of Dubai’s initiatives to fight Covid 19. Furthermore, UAE extended the National Disinfection Programme, that was suppose to end on 4 April. Dubai announced a 24-hour sterilization for the next two weeks.
In line with the National Sterilisation Programme, #RTA announces complete suspension of metro and tram services, starting Sunday April 5th.#DubaiMetro #DubaiTram pic.twitter.com/fHjxs1QyhT
— RTA (@rta_dubai) April 4, 2020
Residents are advised to step out only if it is absolutely necessary to buy essentials, medicines or those working in vital sectors. Meanwhile, the UAE’s pollution percentage has decreased over the past few days as a result of periodic sterilization campaign. The Dubai Municipality revealed on Twitter that nitrogen dioxide has dropped by 57% and carbon monoxide by 48% following the National Disinfection Programme.
The UAE's pollution percentage has decreased over the past few days as a result of periodic sterilization campaigns in which #DubaiMunicipality took part in during the framework of the national sterilization program. #StayHome pic.twitter.com/CLheUMtbth
— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) April 3, 2020
What Else?
Hala, Dubai Taxi’s booking service, in collaboration with RTA is working to support the fight against Covid 19. Hala announced that it will support healthcare workers and the public by offering discounted taxi fares. The taxi service will provide a discount of 20 percent per ride when booked on the Careem app. Riders can choose to commute to over 43 select hospitals and healthcare facilities.
The offer is valid on Hala (Dubai Taxi) and Hala Van Taxi, and is available for a maximum of 10 trips per user. Further, residents can book a Hala only for buying food, essential supplies and going to the hospital. Those working in vital sectors – health, energy, telecommunications, security, and police are also allowed to use the taxi service.
“This initiative is part of RTA’s endeavour to play an active role in easing challenges in the current situation and respond to the directives of our leaders to streamline the delivery of critical services to the public,” said Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, RTA.