The lasting effects of Dubai’s expanded toll system, including new gates and dynamic pricing, could take up to a decade to fully manifest, according to Dr. Khaled Alawadi, an associate professor of Sustainable Urbanism at Khalifa University.
Dr. Alawadi highlighted the connection between increased toll gates, improved air quality, and fewer accidents. However, he stressed that reducing car numbers on the roads would require significant investment in public transport infrastructure, a change that could take one to two decades to see results.
Since the introduction of dynamic toll pricing by Salik earlier this year, local residents have already started to notice changes in traffic patterns. The system, which began on January 31, charges a Dh6 fee during peak hours (morning and evening) and Dh4 during off-peak hours on weekdays. The new pricing also offers free tolls between 1 am and 6 am, with Sundays seeing a flat Dh4 toll.
For residents like Mohammed Iqbal, who works in Dubai Media City, the dynamic pricing has been beneficial.
“I pass through two Salik gates before 6 am, meaning I get free trips one way. I’m happy with the changes,”
Iqbal shared. However, he noted an increase in early-morning traffic as people aim to avoid toll charges.
Sanjana K.A. from Karama also noticed the changes in traffic flow.
“I was running late for a meeting in Dubai Marina and took the Safa and Barsha toll gates. The traffic was smoother, and I reached my destination ahead of time. But my Salik costs have increased,”
she said.
While some areas have seen improvements in traffic flow, others are experiencing more congestion. Ayesha Nawaz from Dubai Creek Harbor observed that commuters are bypassing the Business Bay bridge toll gate by taking shortcuts through her community, adding significant delays.
“Evening traffic is especially bad, with routes taking 20 minutes longer than before,”
she said.
Similarly, residents of Jumeirah experienced heavy traffic on the first day of the dynamic pricing. Muhammad Anshah, a Jumeirah resident, described it as a "nightmare," with many trying to avoid Salik by taking local roads. Fortunately, the situation normalized within a few days, although traffic remains heavier than it was prior to the pricing changes.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) expanded the toll system in November 2024, adding two new gates in Business Bay and Safa, bringing the total number of toll gates to 10. The goal is to encourage the use of public transport and redirect traffic to alternative routes such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Ras Al Khor Street.
Dr. Alawadi praised Dubai’s efforts to improve public transport connectivity, with almost 78% of the population serviced by public transit. However, he emphasized the need for further development to reduce reliance on private vehicles. He also pointed out that more research is required on travel behaviors, particularly the impact of "chain trips," where individuals make multiple stops throughout the day. Additionally, creating transit zones within walking distance (300-500 meters) of key areas is crucial for encouraging public transport use.
As Dubai continues to evolve its toll and transport systems, it’s clear that the city is striving for a balance between reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable transport solutions. However, the true impact will take time to materialize, requiring continued investment in both infrastructure and behavioral change.
News Source: Khaleej Times
