09 September, 2008

Salik Sequel



Hello!

I'm writing this to judge what people think about the Sequel to the amazing movie called Salik (first released last year sometime?). We all know we have a bit transport problem in Dubai and the nearby Emirates. However I don't think more Salik gates is the answer.

To avoid this being called a tax-for-nothing, why not phase it in after the metro is running? This will give people a real choice to use Salik or another mode of transport. Why not charge people for journeys during peak times only? Honestly, if I'm driving at 2am, why should I pay when the road is salik anyway!

I've raised this before, but it seems that the RTA is very slowly moving in the right direction. Apparently you'll only be charged for using the Maktoum Bridge toll if the floating bridge is open. This makes sense. Yuppie!

Also let's hope we get more transparent charing, as well as easy access to stickers and top up services etc. All sounds very simple, but the reality is usually far from it.

I wonder, do motorcyclists have to pay? Where do they install the sticker? Surely they cause congestion too in the eyes of the RTA...

Anyway, the floor is yours people...

16 comments:

CG said...

I think there should be salik gates on ALL roads, including Emirates and Al Khail.

There should be a free bus service and that would clear away at least half of the filth traps on these roads...just say..'FREE' and they will come running.

BuJ said...

lol someone i know was moaning about salik being bad to locals not too long ago.. and now this?!

i don't mind paying more for more road space. makes sense.. just like u do when you fly or use the train..

i think there could be more fun ways of getting rid of cars.. maybe use the floating bridge but connect it only at deira side :)

Anonymous said...

they should either put Salik on all roads (incl alternatives) or not put it up until the metro is operational.

Anonymous said...

Make anything free and everyone will be rushing to use it - even in Dubai.

Kyle said...

The Government here can install as many toll gates as they wish but that still won't alleviate the traffic situation.

Okay, maybe slightly if there was a miraculous improvement overnight in the mass-rapid-transportation system. Or for that matter the RTA allowed people to carpool, as they wish, and not consider it a major crime if it didn't have their seal of approval.

Cool picture, first saw it over at The Exiled Online and guess what the topic was about?

rosh said...

Most friends (& foes) in the UAE do not complain of salik, 'cause they realize they've got to pay for the highways an' all. What gets peoples goat is the blatant bs of "traffic reduction" 24/7, 365 days a year...kinda lame to have traffic reduction mechanism at 2AM when there is no traffic to begin with eh? So, again, in the name of camels across the GCC, would the RTA please come clean and declare salik as a form of tax for the fab highways they've provided for use. Or perhaps just top up car registration surcharges and be rid of some salik gates? As for those expecting freebies, well to an extent, it's a shock for some who've grown up without the concept of taxes & surcharges...and for the some enticed into the UAE as a tax-free haven.

Dubai Jazz said...

Buj, i am intrigued, where is that highway shown in the photo? is there a slaik gate ahead? :P

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Mattar Al Thingy,
As in resident in this country, figured I would throw my 2 cents in. Personally, I believe Salik is the best thing that has happened in Dubai in a long time. Since its introduction on to our roads, my travel time has shot up by 70-80%. Since I spend most of my time in the car now, Im only hoping the new Honda models (as u can see, Im a big honda fan) come with a toilet, maybe a small kitchen and would it be too much to ask for a shower (just incase I need one?). Other interesing facts... my cholesterol is up, my blood pressure is so high that everytime I visit a clinic, they send a cute nurse in to calm me down, and Im loosing my hair. Salik has added so much joy to my life, that I hope everyone in Dubai, benefits as much, if not more, in the same ways as I have. U're vision, passion and will to have everyone stuck on Dubai roads and in traffic for hrs is truely amazing and I applaud u for that. Hopefully as Salik Phase 3/4 and 5 are introduced, I expect huge saving as I will be moving out of my expensive appartment and living out of my car seein as how I see it more than my family. On behalf of all UAE residents, I would like to congratulate u again on a job well done and hope to see more of u're good idea applied to everyday travel in Dubai.
Regards
UAEResident

Proud Emirati said...

lol cg

hemlock said...

RTA sucks. yesterday wasnt too bad, but this morning jumeira road was flooded with traffic :'( and stupid people who weree driving on it for the first time, and didnt know where to go.

*sigh*

all of last year i had the nicest early morning drive to work ... and i would count that as a blessing. thank you RTA for spoiling that.
they should put up two salik gates on beach road :D that'll show them salik-avoiding-non-four-dirham-paying people.

Anonymous said...

"that'll show them salik-avoiding-non-four-dirham-paying people."

But then is that not the purpose of Salik to divert ppl away from the roads guarded by the gates. Just how do you think salik reduces traffice, if the number of ppl using the road before salik and after salik are the same? Or did u think salik shoots rays that shrink the cars?!

Well common sense is not so common.... in Sandlands
-FR

hemlock said...

FR: apparently, neither is comprehension. i was suggesting salik be installed on beach road so these cars have to find other routes. i used to enjoy my early morning drives to work on beach road, which has since been ruined by salik avoiders.

Just how do you think salik reduces traffice, if the number of ppl using the road before salik and after salik are the same? Or did u think salik shoots rays that shrink the cars?!

do people know how clever you are? share this link with them. on the list of 8 most obnoxious commenters, you'll find yourself in catagories 7, 6 & 3.

hemlock said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
hemlock said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Hey, Anon@ Sept10 0859; saw an edited version of your comment on 7days.

http://www.7days.ae/showstory.php?id=78707


Posted by ICEMAN
Dear RTA Man, As a resident in this country, figured I wld tro in my 2 cents. Personally, I blv Salik is the best thing that has happened in DXB in a long tim. Since its intro on to our roads, my travel time has shot up by 70-80%. As I spend most of my time n the car now, Im only hopin the new Honda modls come wit a toilet, maybe a small kitchen and wld it b 2 much to ask for a shower?. Other interestin facts, my cholesterol is up, my blood pressure is at its highest ever and Im loosing my hair. Salik has added so much joy to my life, that I hope everyone in Dxb, benefits as much, if not more, in the same way as I have. U're vision, passion and will to have everyone stuck on DXB roads and in traffic for hrs is truely amazing and I applaud u for that. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Frankly, I don't see Salik as a solution for any of the traffic problems. A lot has been said and discussed, but RTA seems to be blinded with their own plans and have been self contented in believing that they have managed to solve the traffic problems.

Besides accusing RTA for worsening the traffic situations, I feel it necessary to accuse ourselves as individuals for becoming a part of their failed project. I believe that Salik should be placed for inter-city routes rather than within the city itself. Well, since they have already placed the toll gates, the least they can do it reduce the charges to AED 1/- per entry / exit and only during peak hours. It doesn't make any sense for me to pay for Salik at 0000 hrs when there is no traffic on the streets.

Last Suggestion for the people in RTA - next time you want to execute such a project, make it a point to make a public survey. We are a part of this country and we should have the right for a say !!!

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