Dubai Government has introduced new safety symbols on all public transport and public spaces. This is done in order to raise awareness about Covid rules in the country. Residents can now spot red and yellow signs indicating mandatory compliance and cautions against certain conducts and practices.
The signs highlight the importance of Covid rules such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance, using sanitizers, wearing gloves, etc. Two kinds of guidelines are displayed at all entry and exit points of metro and bus stations, taxis and other public facilities.
The first set of icons highlight the following rules:
-No sitting on some seats of public transit means and facilities
-Two riders only in taxis and limos
-Leave safe distance in closed areas
– Wear mask in all places
The second set of icons indicate the importance of using gloves, sanitizers and washing hands. The RTA will fix 170,000 stickers with the new icons in Dubai Metro, public buses, taxis, limousines and customer happiness centres. In addition, the new signs will also be distributed on advertising signs along roads, bridges, shopping malls, and social media platforms.
What Else?
Here are all the new timings for Dubai Metro, buses, and shopping malls:
Metros
All metros will operate for a 12-hour period, from 7am to 7pm, across all Red Line stations, except those within restricted areas. The three-minute wait time will be in place during peak hours and re-visited by authorities after a week. Following this, Green lines will be operational for 12 hours, except in restricted areas. Operations will then be made normal, depending on recovery levels and directions from authorities.
During all phases social distancing will remain in place as well as passengers and employees must wear masks while traveling. In addition, use of elevators will be restricted to a maximum of one or two persons. Escalators will be blocked to reduce passenger flow to the train platform. Information placards will be placed on the floor and on seats, and all stations will have dedicated entry and exit points.
Buses
In the first phase, buses will be operational for 12 hours and then be fully operational within two to four weeks. Bus waiting times and bus types will be modified depending on the services frequented and the number of passengers. Service time would also be adjusted as needed, and backup buses would be provided to support crowded stations. Furthermore, bus routes are also modified to avoid restricted areas.
Air-conditioned waiting areas will remain closed to ensure social distancing. All passengers must wear masks and instructions placards will be stuck on the floor and on seats to ensure appropriate social distance. Crowd management techniques will be applied at station entrances, and sterilisation practices will remain in place. Passengers would also be encouraged to opt for taxis instead.