DEWA and RTA discuss methods of encouraging public means of transport

The meeting was attended by Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support, Ghinwa Krayem, Manager of Quality Development, Ahmed Abdullah Abdurahim, Manager of Administrative Affairs. Representatives from the RTA included Essa Abdulrahman Al Dosari, CEO of Public Transport, Ahmed Al Hamadi, Manager of the Vehicles Department for Public Transport, Mohammed Yousef Al Mazreb, Manager of Unified Card for Transportation Systems, Shafiq Moussa Ismail, Sales Manager at Marketing and Corporate Communications.

The meeting focused on methods for encouraging the use of public means of transport, especially by government departments. The network developed by the RTA is considered one of the most cutting-edge networks in the world and it complies with the best specifications.

This network is important because all means of public transport are integrated and available for all the residents in Dubai, in addition to the other environmental and economic advantages it combines.

RTA representatives assured that they are working with government departments to set guidelines for mutual collaboration to increase the usage of public transport by employees, especially by the low-grade staff either at DEWA or other public sector organisations. DEWA is at the forefront of government authorities and actively encourages its employees to use public transport in Dubai. In this regard, DEWA has given over 400 Nol cards out to its employees in 2011.

DEWA has undertaken to collaborate with RTA in this regard by preparing a study of the transportation needs of its employees, especially those who use DEWA's accommodation. Accordingly, an integrated plan and initiatives will be set with the purpose of creating additional transportation routes, offering promotions on Nol cards, as well as launching other initiatives that to raise awareness on this very important matter and highlight the advantages and benefits that accrue from this to society.

Both sides agreed that there will be other meetings following the first meeting to explore further opportunities for collaboration and the actual needs of DEWA's employees.