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In accordance with the RTA’s previously-announced plans to integrate Dubai’s transport networks, a new shuttle transit option has been made available at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), facilitating ease of access for passengers who wish to use cab services from the venue.
A new taxi station has been set up across the Trade Centre Hotel Apartment buildings in the locality. RTA officials supervised and guided the shuttle route, which commenced at the Ibis Hotel, and ended at the taxi station. However, no official comment has been made by the RTA regarding this integrated transit system yet.
Taxi drivers, who wished to remain anonymous, told Big Project ME that they have been informed to follow this arrangement for roughly the duration of this week; however, one taxi driver commented this could become a permanent set up given the frequency and footfall of events at the Trade Centre.
The Al Ghubaiba locality in Dubai is typically considered Dubai’s first integrated transport locality, due to the presence of a taxi station, bus station, water metro and abra services and a metro station in the area.
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board and executive director of the RTA had in December 2013 announced the transport authority’s plans to undertake Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in the city, which, he had stated, would include the construction of mixed-use towers in partnership with a tendered private company.
“The project is aimed to raise the efficiency and users of mass transit systems through re-planning of districts around the metro stations,” Al Tayer had said at the time.