Only 2 passengers in a taxi as Dubai moves to protect public transport riders

Saudi Gazette report

DUBAI — Maximum two passengers, only in the rear seat, are now allowed to board a taxi in Dubai as the glitzy emirate, a tourist hotspot, battles to combat coronavirus.

The move, announced on Wednesday by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, is part of its slew of proactive and preventive measures to protect the health of public transport riders in the city, the state news agency WAM reported.

Other measures unveiled by the authority, include controlling the number of riders per metro/bus to maintain a safe distance between riders. The front and middle doors will be opened, and the rear door will remain shut.

The authority has also increased the number of journeys and stepped up the service frequency of Dubai Metro. Furthermore, all bus shelters in Dubai have been closed temporarily as part of precautionary measures. The objective of these measures is to ensure healthy and safe transit services at the highest global standards and enforce social distancing among passengers.

The authority, however, called on passengers not to use public transport unless necessary; plan their journeys in advance to avoid peak hours, as delays are expected due to the new measures taken; and cooperate with the supervisors deployed at bus and metro stations or on board these modes. It also urged them to use personal protective equipment while moving around in public areas.

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