RTA launches toll-free call center for Dubai toll

The 800-SALIK (72545) number is part of RTA's efforts to effectively manage traffic in Dubai and minimise congestion, and the beginning of the authority's drive to boost awareness and understanding of the system prior to its rollout.

Engineer Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of the RTA's Roads and Transport Authority, said the call center will provide all necessary information related to the new system in Arabic, English and Urdu, as part of the RTA's thrust to communicate with the public and spread awareness in the new service.

"The RTA wants to reach out to the largest possible number of road users in our community," Ms. Bin Adai said. "Our call centre operators are trained to provide complete information about the toll system, from the locations of the electronic gates to the mechanics of the system and (registration/application) information."

The system will be able to deduct the necessary value from the sensor cards every time a driver uses one of the city's electronic gates, Ms. Bin Adai explained. The Salik system seeks to promote the use of alternative roads and transportation and reduce traffic flow to the emirate by encouraging car pooling and public transit.

Salik is part of the RTA's traffic management strategy to reduce pressure on Dubai's road infrastructure, particularly in the city's downtown and other heavily trafficked areas, and reduce noise and air pollution.

The toll system also fulfils the Dubai Strategic Plan 2007-2015, which stipulates that RTA will provide an integrated road and transportation system that will facilitate people and goods movement while improving safety levels. The plan requires the RTA to address current congestion problems and accommodate future needs by increasing the share of public transportation and reducing the dependence on private vehicles.