Roads & Transport Authority - News Details

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Dubai Police and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs, has carried out two inspection operations relating to unlicensed transport activities and fare evasion on public transport means, during June and July 2022.

The first campaign, related to transporting passengers on unlicensed vehicles, was carried out last June by RTA’s Passenger Transport Activities Monitoring Department in collaboration with Al Raffa Police Station. The second operation, which took place last July in collaboration with the General HQ of Dubai Police and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, targeted fare evasion on public buses.

 

The first inspection was carried out during 15-30 June in Al Ghubaiba by specialist teams from certain concerned monitoring bodies. A total of 39 violations were reported of which 22 were related to the use of vehicles unlicensed for passenger transport and 17 were related to promoting such activities. Six vehicles were seized in the process.

Thanks to the coordination with the Police and the participation of individuals and inspectors, violators could be reported in Al Ghubaiba, which is known for a high demand for public transportation by way of buses, taxis, and Dubai Metro. 

The intensive inspection campaigns carried out in collaboration with the Police in specific areas over the last few months made violators and promoters of unlicensed passenger transport more cautious. Additionally, the intercity bus service has decreased the public use of unlicensed transportation.

Compliance 

The second inspection campaign was carried out during 17-22 July in collaboration with the Crime Prevention Department, Anti-Infiltrators Department at the General HQ of Dubai Police, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, and resulted in reporting 693 violations.

591 violations were issued for using public transport modes, facilities and services or entering/exiting fare zones without paying the due fare. Failure to show a nol card upon request resulted in 33 violations, and 5 violations were reported for using invalid nol cards. One violation was issued for failure to comply with the instructions of inspectors or authorised personnel of RTA or obstructing the performance of their duties. 61 violations were issued for using public transport and public transport facilities and services contrary to RTA’s instructions posted on signboards.

The purpose of the campaign was to ensure that public transport service users adhere to RTA’s regulations and instructions, and foil attempts of evading the payment of public transport tariffs. It also aimed to enhance the cooperation between RTA and its strategic partners.

Public Awareness

RTA strives to raise public awareness of illegal passenger transport activities, which fall into two categories. The first entails the use of unlicensed vehicles to transport passengers who have no social relationship with the driver in exchange for a fee, be it within Dubai, or from Dubai to other emirates. The second activity involves promoting such services through face-to-face contact, social media, or any sort of electronic media.