The Future of Dubai’s Transport: New Salik Toll Gates Set to Launch
In a significant development for Dubai’s evolving transportation landscape, Salik PSJC has officially confirmed the launch of two new toll gates set to go live on November 24, 2024. This addition follows an announcement made by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in January, marking a pivotal step in Dubai’s ongoing efforts to address traffic congestion while encouraging the use of public transport.
The two new toll locations are strategically placed to optimize the flow of vehicular traffic across the city. The first gate will be situated at the Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road, while the second will be positioned on Sheikh Zayed Road, nestled between Al Meydan and Umm Al Sheif Streets. With the recent enhancements to the Salik toll system, motorists will soon experience the dual realities of convenience and cost as they navigate these busy thoroughfares.
Upon passing through each Salik gate, drivers will incur a toll fee of AED 4. A particularly advantageous aspect of this new system is the provision that allows motorists to traverse both Safa Gates—north and south—within a one-hour timeframe for a single fee, a policy consistent with the practices at existing gates, such as those located at Al Mamzar. This feature is poised to facilitate smoother transit, especially for those who frequently commute through these key areas.
The rationale behind the installation of these gates does not merely hinge on revenue generation. Instead, it underscores a broader commitment to alleviating traffic congestion throughout Dubai. This initiative aligns with recommendations made by Mattar Al Tayer, the director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, who emphasized that the new gates would serve to distribute traffic more evenly across the entire road network. Speaking at the time of the initial announcement, Al Tayer remarked, “The traffic toll policies also encourage the public to shift towards mass transport means such as the metro, buses, marine transport, and soft mobility options.”
Analyses conducted by the RTA indicate that the introduction of the new toll gates is expected to yield substantial benefits in terms of reduced travel times. For instance, the Business Bay Crossing Gate alone is projected to diminish traffic volumes on Al Khail Road by approximately 15% and on Al Rebat Street by 16%. Similarly, the Al Safa South Gate aims to decrease the right-turn traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Meydan Street by an estimated 15%, as well as significantly diminishing the flow from Al Meydan and Al Safa Streets to Sheikh Zayed Road by as much as 42%. Overall, projections suggest an expected 4% reduction in traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road between Financial Centre and Latifa Bint Hamdan Streets, while also optimizing travel through the First Al Khail and Al Asayel Roads.
Salik, established in 2007, functions as Dubai’s dedicated road toll collection system, which currently encompasses eight operational gates throughout the city. As it stands, motorists are mandated to pay AED 4 each time they utilize a toll gate, with the Salik entity holding the exclusive rights to maintain and operate these facilities until June 2071. This partnership with the RTA further solidifies the framework within which Dubai’s road infrastructure is developed, with Salik paying AED 2.734 billion to the transportation authority for the establishment of these assets.
Looking ahead, discussions concerning the future of Dubai’s toll systems have also hinted at potential innovations, such as dynamic pricing that would adjust fees according to peak traffic times. This could potentially influence driving behavior, encouraging commuters to opt for alternative travel times or transportation modalities.
As Dubai continues to grow and evolve, the integration of such traffic management strategies represents not only a critical component of urban planning but also an essential step toward a more sustainable and efficient transportation ecosystem. The anticipated challenges and successes associated with these new toll gates will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
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