|
The majority of taxis in Dubai are metred and
operate under four private companies and can be flagged down by the side of the
road or called on 04-2080808. Pick up fare is the starting fare for taxis from
the airport is higher. Private taxis are also available outside Dubai’s hotels
at an extra charge.
Although driver-less and fully automated metro
trains are being built and will be fully operational by 2009, taxis still
remain the most common way of getting around in Dubai.
 Car
Hire
If you are an expert driver and possess an
international driver’s license then renting out a car might make good sense. A
majority of the car rental
companies operate out of Dubai and you can get good rates, just make sure that
it includes comprehensive insurance and Salik (toll tax) for passing through
certain roads.
Bus
Buses are becoming more and more visible on
Dubai’s roads. And the Road and Transports Authority (RTA) is in the process of
setting up airconditioned bus shelters to protect commuters from harsh weather.
Fares are cheap, from Dhs. 1-3 and are paid to the driver at the time of
boarding.
Boat
 Dhows or the
traditional abras or water taxis are the best way to get a feel of old Dubai
and at an incredibly cheap fare of 50 fils to Dhs 1.50. You can also cross over
from Deira to Bur Dubai on these water dhows.
For Dhs. 35-50 you can rent out a whole abra for your family.
Cycling
Not recommended in the harsh weather and stressful traffic jams.
There are dedicated cycle tracks like the one in Al Mamzar where tourists can
cycle in leisure.
Walking
Neighbourhood strolls are fine but don’t think of walking long
distances without getting dehydrated. In winter, people do walk on the few
sideways. If you are an avid walker don’t miss out on the brand new Canal Walk
at the iconic style resort, the Dubai festival City.
| Future of Dubai's Transport : Dubai
Metro |
 Driver-less Trains on the Desert
Dubai will soon have one of the most advanced urban rail systems in the world
that will be a catalyst for its ambitious tourism, financial and economic
projects.
The driverless, fully automated trains will be fully air-conditioned and
designed to meet the transport needs of Dubai's rapidly increasing population.
The Dubai Metro will have a trial run in April 2008 as the first train for the
Dubai Metro is expected to reach Dubai in March 2008 after the successful
completion of its trial run in Japan.
In full operation, Dubai Metro is projected to carry approximately 1.2 million
passengers on an average day, and 355 million passengers per year.
The trains will offer standard class with a women and children only section
plus a first class section (carriage for VIPS). Five-car seats will be
approximately 75m long, seating around 400 passengers but with standing room
for many more.
A consortium of four companies headed by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
(MHI) is leading the project to build the first two lines of the high-tech
driverless rapid transit system. Other consortium members include the Japanese
Obayashi and Kajima corporations, and Yapi Merkesi of Turkey.
The Metro network will be fully integrated within the network operated by the
Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), a body created in 2005. Routes will be
organised around the backbone provided by the rail system. Taxi stations and
park-and-ride facilities will be included in key Metro stations to further
enhance the system's role. Numerous double doors will allow fast and smooth
flows. Rolling stock is to be supplied by Kinki Sharyo under a US$456.2m
contract to supply 385 cars, with shipments scheduled from 2008. The main depot
will be at Rashidya with an auxiliary depot planned in the Jebel Ali area.
Taxi stations and park-and-ride facilities will be included in key Metro
stations to further enhance the central system's role.
Groundworks began in February 2006, centred around the 52.1km Red Line. In
August 2006 a second contract worth US$.12bn was awarded to the MHI consortium
for bulding the 17.6km Green Line, intersecting with Red Line at two stations.
Green Line will link strategic locations at Dubai Airport and Healthcare City.
Source : GoDubai
|
East
Coast Tour