Avoid carpooling during peak hours: UAE drivers brace for changes as Dubai plans new Salik tolls – News

Dubai plans to introduce ‘dynamic’ Salik toll charges and parking prices, while UAE drivers plan to adjust their daily journeys.

The Highways and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that it would implement it on Thursday. Variable Toll Pricing (Salik) and Variable Parking Tariff Policies in 2025 as part of the city’s “comprehensive strategy to improve traffic flow.”

A small number of drivers may adjust their routines by waking up earlier than usual to take advantage of the free window, while others may choose to arrive later to avoid rush hour fees. Concerns are growing among residents concerned about the impact this will have on their household budgets, especially those with fixed office or class schedules. Some are considering requesting additional transportation allowances to offset the toll, while others are planning to switch to carpooling or public transportation.

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Salik will be issued by the end of January 2025. Drivers will be able to benefit from free passage between 01.00 and 06.00 in the morning. The weekday pass fee will be Dh6 (Dh2 increase) during morning peak hours (6am to 10am) and evening peak hours (4pm to 8pm). For off-peak hours (10am to 4pm and 8pm to 1am) the toll will be Dh4 (same as the current fare). The Sunday pass will be Dh4 throughout the day and will be free from 1am to 6am, except for public holidays, special occasions or major events.

By the end of March 2025, new parking fees are Dh6 per hour for premium parking spaces, other paid public parking areas during morning peak hours (8am to 10am) and evening peak hours (4pm to 8pm) It will be Dh4 per hour for Tariffs will remain unchanged during off-peak hours (10:00 – 16:00 and 20:00 – 22:00).

Parking will be free between 22:00 and 08:00 at night and all day on Sundays and public holidays. A. new congestion pricing policy It will also be unveiled around the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) during major events in February 2025.

Founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and former head of Dubai Police’s traffic studies department, Dr. Mostafa Al Dah said: “Variable timing may be beneficial for commuters during the night shift or in the early morning hours when the roads are already empty.”

Traffic safety researcher says Dubai’s Salik toll adjustment is inevitable. Al Dah told Khaleej Times, “The congestion charge has remained unchanged since it was introduced in 2007, but London’s congestion charge, for example, has tripled since it started in 2003 – from £5 to £15 in 2020.”

He added, “And I’d like to see the impact of this on parking near DWTC. I recently gave myself two hours to get there – because I chose to drive privately – and was still struggling to find a good parking spot. It’s time to rethink people’s movements at such large events I think he’s coming.”

Increase in household budget

Filipino entrepreneur Michael da Costa said the Salik wage increase will only mean one thing: additional housing expenses. He said: “As a parent who shuttles/drives his children to and from school every day, this fare increase will significantly impact our household budget. “While I understand the need to relieve traffic congestion, simply increasing tolls may not be the most effective solution.

“Our roads remain congested during peak hours, even on alternative routes. To truly ease the traffic, a more comprehensive approach is needed, such as implementing flexible working hours and hybrid work models for employees and students,” added Da Costa, Public Relations and Media Director for the Philippine Business Council in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Zayaan Ali, 20, a second-year computer engineering student at BITS Pilani in Dubai, added: “The flexible, dynamic pricing plan will be more expensive for me as I have a fixed schedule from 7.30am to 3.40pm in my college. So what a shame.” “so that my timings will fall exactly in the higher pay range”

As a remedy, he added: “I’ll have to make adjustments, choosing to carpool with friends or commuting by bus instead.”

‘Rush hour charges are inevitable’

Mojo PR head of operations Richelle Wingco-Fosberry, a long-time Dubai resident, is skeptical whether the dynamic pricing plan will save her money. He said: “Personally, peak hours are inevitable as they overlap with my work and meeting schedules. I will leave home during off-peak hours on other days to avoid traffic and additional Salik costs.

“If I had flexible working hours, I could adjust my daily commute to avoid busy times. But in a standard 9-to-5 job, this isn’t possible. Fortunately, working from home twice a week will help alleviate some of the impact of the new pricing scheme.” “It’s a great advantage,” he added.

Sharrah Khilawala, senior communications consultant, added: “This new plan will significantly increase my monthly expenses. I live in Sharjah and travel to Dubai Media City while my husband travels to Umm Suqeim. Salik’ anyway as we drive separately due to different work schedules.” We spend a lot of money on e-commerce. With this dynamic pricing, our expenses will almost double, making it difficult for us. My husband and I do not support this move to cut Salik’s expenses as it puts unnecessary pressure on regular commuters like us. “We can share the car for you.”