RTA's Dubai toll system is branded as 'Salik'

The Arabic word, meaning 'clear', encompasses the concerted steps RTA is undertaking to effectively manage the city's traffic and minimize congestion.

Engineer Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of the RTA's Roads and Traffic Agency, said that the brand name Salik reflects the objective of the toll system to reduce traffic congestion in Dubai's main roads and thus strengthen the city's economic activities. Salik also reflects the operational strategy of the system, wherein motorists do not have to pay the toll manually but will be deducted electronically.

"The implementation of "Salik" comes in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to provide smooth and safe transport services for all," said Eng. Bin Adai.

"In the Dubai Strategic Plan 2007-2015 unveiled recently, Sheikh Mohammed has reiterated his vision for RTA to provide an integrated road and transportation system that will facilitate people and goods movement while improving safety levels. This is to be ensured by addressing the current congestion problems, and accommodating future needs by increasing the share of public transportation, and decreasing the over-dependence on private vehicles. It also involves increasing the capacity of road networks and transportation systems; securing optimal use through modern techniques and demand management," she added.

Eng. Bin Adai said that the toll system is one of several projects that the RTA is currently implementing to provide world-class roads and transport infrastructure. The implementation of "Salik" underscores RTA's commitment to implement cutting-edge traffic management solutions that will improve mobility and save time and energy.

The toll system is set to contribute to traffic management and reduction of congestion by encouraging wider use of public transport, enhancing the use of single car occupancy within same family and/or institution, strengthening car pooling, using alternative routes, and bringing down pollution levels by reducing the number of cars on the roads and driving time.

Dubai's toll system will be on par with systems in place in world-class cities where the toll, whether electronic or manual, is implemented as a result of heavy demand on the roads and infrastructure as an offset of rapid economic growth.