Dubai to fine drivers for using JLT bus lane from next week

Dubai is preparing to activate a new dedicated bus and taxi lane in the south of the city from next month.

The third phase of the Masar project will cover 1.8km on the approach to Jumeirah Lakes Towers metro station.

Regular cars that enter the lane will be fined Dhs600 ($163) from July 1.

“During the past few months, the preparatory phase of this scheme started in the area, but without involving, fines. The introduction of the system has seen a reduction in the number of vehicles using the dedicated bus and taxi lane,” said Roads and Transport Authority director of transportation systems Adel Shakri.

The first phase of the project, which opened in 2010, was implemented over 6km on Al Mankhool Street from Satwa roundabout up to Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Khaleej Street from the intersection with Khalid bin Al Waleed Street up to Al Musalla Street.

It also covers the area from Khalid bin Al Waleed Street from the intersection of Al Mina Road up to Street 16, and Al Ghubaiba Street from the intersection of Al Mina Road up to Street 12.

The second phase, which opened in 2011, covered parts of Naif Street extending 1km from Al Musalla Street up to Al Khaleej Street. It also included parts of Ittihad Street in the direction from Sharjah to Dubai extending 1km from the entry point to Dubai up to Al Nahda intersection.

Shakri said lanes in those areas had encouraged the use of public transport and curbed traffic congestion.

The lanes are restricted to public buses and taxis, Dubai Police, civil defence vehicles and ambulances.

Individually owned vehicles can only use the lanes only when entering/exiting subsidiary roads.