THE SOCIAL ASPECT MAKES IT A JOYFUL RIDE

Abdulrahman Hamad, Sudanese, Deira resident

Daily journey: From Deira to Dubai Media City

I’ve been taking the metro for five years to work from my home in Deira to Dubai Media City. It takes me 45 minutes from the Deira City Centre Metro Station to the Nakheel Metro Station back and forth.

Through my trip, I get to read, listen to music or finish some work I have got before getting to my office. Getting to look at the city’s views and meet people on your way to work also makes the journey less lonely than when you’re driving.

The experience in the metro is great because once you know how everything works, it is easy to use, clean and convenient. The staff members are always there to help commuters with any questions about refilling their Nol cards or taking the right metro station to get to their destinations.

I honestly would not buy a car. The traffic in the city gets too stressful and the parking situation is time-consuming. For metro commuters, we can predict the time we will reach our destination without worrying about traffic or accidents. Driving in this metropolis is more costly as well since drivers have to deal with car insurance, fuel and fines. The metro, and public transport in general, offers a cheaper (relatively at least) way to get your destination.

The metro here is much more practical than in most places I have been around the world. Most importantly, the journey in the Dubai Metro is safe no matter what time you choose to take it and the government’s use of latest technology and high surveillance prevents any accidents or crimes from happening.

Hamad’s journey:

> Cost per month: Dh330 (Dh7.5 per trip)

> Time: 45 minutes during peak and non-peak hours

A Car’s journey

Cost per month:

> salik toll gates: Dh528 (if the journey is through Sheikh Zayed Road)

> Average car loan: Dh1,000 a month

> Fuel consumption: Dh275 Total (excluding car fines and insurance): Dh1,803

> Time (during peak hours): 50 minutes via Sheikh Zayed Road and 55 minutes via Al Khail Road > non-peak hours: 23 minutes via Sheikh Zayed Road 28 minutes Via Al Khail Road