Picture used for illustrative purposes.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Salik has initiated the installation of two new toll gates in Dubai. The first is situated at the Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Street, while the second is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, between Al Meydan and Umm Al Sheif Streets. As per RTA’s plan, the two gates are set to be fully operational by November 2024, in concurrence with the completion of the Al Khail Road Improvement Project.

As with the Al Mamzar North and South Gates, the Safa South Gate will be connected to the existing Safa Gate (designated 'Safa North'). This will entail that drivers will be charged only once if they pass through both gates within one hour in the same direction.

Earlier, Dubai’s RTA announced the introduction of new toll gates in a move that is aligned with the RTA’s comprehensive strategic plan to develop and integrate road networks, public transport routes and services and enhance technical road and transport systems.

The initiative also reflects the RTA’s commitment to implementing policies aimed at encouraging public transport usage and reducing dependence on private vehicles.

Announcing data for the second quarter and the first half of 2024, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said, “Since the beginning of the year, Salik has concentrated its efforts on the expansion of its core tariff collection business, while simultaneously diversifying its revenue streams through the implementation of new strategic initiatives.

This commitment to diversification and growth is further evidenced by the addition of two new toll gates in Dubai, which are scheduled to become operational by the end of November 2024.”

Addressing traffic jam

RTA expects that the Business Bay Crossing Gate will result in a 12-15% improvement in traffic congestion on Al Khail Street, a 10-16% reduction in traffic on Rabat Street, and the redistribution of traffic to Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud bridges and Ras Al Khor Street.

It is similarly anticipated that the South Safa Gate will result in a 15% reduction in the volume of right-turn traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road to Meydan Road, while also enhancing the efficiency of traffic flow on Financial Centre, Al Khail I and Al Asayel Street.

The number of revenue-generating trips exhibited a 1.2% increase during the second quarter of 2024. This growth was driven by the continued business and tourism activity in Dubai, which was facilitated by Salik's eight gates. Consequently, the number of revenue-generating trips increased to 115.7 million, representing a 1.6% year-on-year growth. This represents the highest number recorded for the second quarter since the company's inception.

The results reported by Salik were largely supported by robust growth at numerous toll gates during the second quarter of the year. Jebel Ali Gate, for instance, exhibited a growth rate exceeding 10%, while other gates demonstrated growth in the high single digit range, including Al Maktoum Bridge Gate (+4%) and Safa (+3%).