The fee that Erica, a resident of Dubai, paid for a taxi ride from Global Village to Al Barsha was significantly more than the fare that she paid for a taxi ride from her house to the location where her family was going. As a result of the implementation of the "dynamic fare," which was applicable to both traditional metered taxi services and ride-hailing taxi services, this result occurred.
There have been a number of modifications made to Dubai's public transportation system, one of which being an increase in the minimum amount that must be added to a Nol card at Metro stations. Additionally, it has been reported that a new business would be responsible for managing the operations of public parking spots. Additionally, parking at Dubai Mall will soon become a paid service, and Salik, the operator of the toll gate, will be implementing a barrier-free system into the facilities.
Could you please tell me the new rate for flag-down taxis in Dubai?
There have been instances where the flag-down or flagfall rate, which refers to the initial price that is charged at the beginning of a taxi journey, has increased from Dh12 to Dh20 in particular pick-up places during certain times during significant events.
There is not a citywide increase in taxi fares. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has said that the implementation of new flag down prices for regular-metered taxis and Hala Taxi service will only be applicable on big event days, exhibitions, and international conventions at venues such as the World Trade Centre, Expo City, and Global Village.
During the New Year's Eve of the previous year, this was applied, but only in specific areas where there were fireworks displays. These locations included the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Hatta, Al Seef, Bluewaters, The Beach, and Global Village.
This is how it operates
In the case that there are significant events, exhibitions, or international conventions taking place at World Trade Centre or Expo City, the flagfall charge is twenty dirhams (Dh) if you begin your journey from those regions. If there are no events scheduled, the starting rate for a taxi will be Dh12.
Whenever you hire a cab from Global Village, you will be charged the same rates. Due to the fact that it is open for the present season, the flag-down rate is twenty dirhams; however, when it is closed during the summer months, the rate drops to twelve dirhams.
There is, however, no increase in the flag-down charge when you reserve a cab somewhere other than the places that have been specified above. In other words, the flag-down rate will continue to be Dh12 for passengers who will be picked up from the Mall of the Emirates or Times Square, Deira City Centre, or their place of employment or housing.
For what reason do fares change?
'Dynamic pricing' is the term that describes this method, in which the fare changes according to the demand. It is common for this to occur during rush hour, when there are a greater number of people on the road and a greater demand for transportation opportunities. There will be more traffic as a result of the increased number of passengers, and the fare will increase to compensate for the additional time and gasoline (or electricity, in the case of electric vehicles) that will be utilized to transport people. However, the hike in fares is only a temporary measure. During the day, when there is less demand, fares are lower that are more affordable.
According to the Road Transport Authority (RTA), the implementation of new flag down rates for regular-metered taxis as well as Hala Taxi service is applicable for big event days, exhibitions, and international conventions at venues such as Expo City, Global Village, and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
In an earlier statement, the Road Transport Authority (RTA) stated, "Through these changes, (we aim) to continuously improve and develop both regular taxi services and the e-hail ride of Hala Taxi." This is especially true during major events, which typically see a significant increase in demand for taxi services from residents, visitors, and tourists traveling to Dubai from all over the world.
Why do fares fluctuate?
Dynamic pricing is not a new concept, and taxi companies have always been using it in their operations. Prices for taxi rides in Dubai are determined by the type of cab, the time and place of the pick-up, the length of the trip, and the distance traveled. When making a reservation online, the standard minimum taxi charge or flag down rate is Dh12, with an extra Dh1.97 per kilometer supplementary. Cabs that are flagged down on the road will have flag-down prices that range from Dh5 during non-peak hours to Dh9 during peak hours. The fare for taxis that are taking passengers to and from Dubai International Airport begins at Dh25.
How can those who commute save money?
It is recommended that you utilize the Dubai Metro when there are events taking place at DWTC or Expo City. This is a far more cost-effective option than getting a taxi, plus it allows you to escape excessive traffic. There is a strong connection between the Metro and all forms of ground transportation, including taxis, buses, and private vehicles. In addition, commuters are permitted to carry their folding bicycles and electric scooters on board the cabin service.
In the meanwhile, there are four bus routes that are specifically designed to transport guests to Global Village during the 2023-24 season. The cost of a single trip to Global Village is Dh10 on each of these bus routes.
What are the new requirements for topping out a Nol card?
At the moment, a minimum of Dh5 is required in order to add money to a Nol card. On the other hand, beginning January 15, the minimum amount required to top off a Nol card at the ticket offices at Metro stations will be Dh20. On the other hand, this does not apply to commuters who add money to their cards through the use of applications, ticket vending machines, online, or kiosks located outside of Metro stations.
Metro fares have not changed in any way. On the other hand, commuters need have a balance of Dh15 on their Nol card in order to cover the cost of a round trip on the Metro transit network.
Implementing new standards for filling Nol cards
According to the RTA, the implementation of a new criteria for topping up Nol cards with twenty dirhams will "ensure a seamless navigation experience and minimise wait times" at ticket offices located within Metro stations.
Where can Nol cards be used?
The Nol card is a prepaid smart card that may be used to pay for public transportation, such as the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and waterbuses, throughout the entire city of Dubai. It is also possible to use it to pay for taxi costs, parking, access to some public parks in Dubai, the Etihad Museum, and more than 2,000 shops, restaurants, and businesses located across the city. Not only that, but RTA has also introduced a loyalty and rewards program just for people who have the Nol Plus card. Every time a member uses their Nol card to pay for a vehicle, whether it is the Dubai Metro, taxi fares, public bus fares, or parking fees, they automatically collect points and enjoy special perks.
It was recently reported by residents of Dubai who went to parks in various neighborhoods that the alteration had occurred.
A new parking corporation
In Dubai, a new firm was announced on January 3 that will be fully responsible for the operation of public and private parking spaces around the city.
The public joint stock company (PJSC), which will be known as "Parkin," will also be in charge of issuing relevant permissions to individuals, including special parking permits for people who are determined to do so.
In order to fulfill its tasks, Parkin will not only "establish, design, and manage private parking spaces in addition to investing in related business activities," but it will also have the ability to exercise financial, administrative, and legal jurisdiction over its operations.
The Dubai Mall will soon provide paid parking
Through the utilization of a barrier-free system that will be deployed by Salik, the toll gate operator, parking at Dubai Mall will be converted into a paid service by the third quarter of this year.
Over 13,000 parking spots are available at the shopping center. Salik will be in charge of planning, financing, developing, installing, and operating the parking management system, while Dubai Mall will be responsible for providing the necessary local infrastructure, office space, and maintenance of the parking lot. Aside from the cash generated via toll gates, this will be the first time that Salik has diversified its revenue.
What kind of fees will be paid for parking?
The charges that will be deducted from the Salik user's account have not yet been defined by Emaar Malls; nonetheless, fees will be deducted.
The same technology that is used for tracking Salik tags will also be utilized for the barrier-free parking system. This technology will include automatic number plate recognition and radio frequency identification (RFID). As the vehicle enters the parking floor, a camera will record the time of entry and capture the license plate number of the vehicle within. The camera will once more scan the license plate number once the vehicle exits, and the system will then compute the amount of time spent parking.
Salik Company PJSC's Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors, Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, stated that the company is actively researching alternatives for expansion in the private parking sector in Dubai, which is expected to have more than 50,000 parking spots.
Several other shopping centers and hypermarkets already have parking fees in place, but they all use a barrier system to protect their customers. On weekdays (Monday through Friday), parking at Mall of the Emirates is only free for the first four hours of the day. Following that, a parking cost is charged for each extra hour or part of an hour, beginning at Dh20 for five to six hours of parking and going all the way up to Dh350 for overnight parking. On the weekends and on public holidays, parking is completely free.
