In Al Quoz, a new dedicated bus lane along First Al Khail Street has caught the attention of motorists, signaling a change in traffic regulations. Unlike traditional bus lanes marked with vibrant red indicators, this lane stands out with its absence of such distinctive markings.
Dubai's New Bus Lane
A recent addition to the road infrastructure in Al Quoz presents a new challenge for motorists: a dedicated bus lane along First Al Khail Street, now subject to a Dh600 fine for unauthorized use.
Unlike other dedicated bus lanes marked with bright red indicators, this new lane lacks such distinctive markings, leading to potential confusion among drivers. It spans one direction, stretching from Al Quoz Bus Station to the bowling center, heading toward Zaa’beel.
Notably, this lane is characterized by broken yellow lines, indicating allowances for motorists making right turns onto Latifa bint Hamdan Street toward Al Khail Road or those utilizing the service road near the Galadari office.
Citywide Infrastructure Expansion
In April, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled plans for the construction of additional dedicated bus and taxi lanes, covering a total distance of 13.1 km across six major streets. This initiative aims to expand Dubai’s network of dedicated bus lanes to 20.1 km with the intention of significantly reducing travel time, particularly on routes experiencing heavy congestion.
The designated lanes are set to be implemented on key thoroughfares such as Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, 2nd of December, Al Satwa, Al Nahda, Omar bin Al Khattab, and Naif streets. It is anticipated that this extension will enhance the efficiency of public transport services, potentially increasing usage by up to 30% on select roads, according to the RTA.
Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, views the introduction of dedicated bus lanes as a positive step towards improving road safety and promoting public transport utilization. These lanes not only aim to reduce travel times but also ensure adherence to bus schedules, minimizing disruptions caused by traffic congestion.
Edelmann emphasizes the potential benefits of dedicated bus lanes, foreseeing a reduction in traffic congestion, pollution, and erratic driving behavior as more commuters opt for public transport. He believes that encouraging greater bus usage will ultimately lead to fewer vehicles on the roads, thereby alleviating traffic congestion and its associated challenges.
