Page 32 - SALIK ENGLISH PR REPORT NOVEMBER 2024

private car – and still struggled to find a good parking spot. I think it is time to rethink the
movement of people at such big events."
Hike in household budget
Filipino entrepreneur Michael da Costa said the Salik fee hike will only mean one thing:
additional household expense. He said, "As a parent who commutes/drives the kids to
school daily, this toll increase will significantly impact our household budget. While I
understand the need to address traffic congestion, simply increasing tolls may not be
the most effective solution.
“Our roads remain congested during peak hours, even on alternative routes. To truly
alleviate traffic, a more comprehensive approach is needed, such as implementing
flexible work hours and hybrid work models for employees and students," added Da
Costa, a director for PR and media at the Philippine Business Council - Dubai and
Northern Emirates.

Michael da Costa
Zayaan Ali, 20, a second-year computer engineering student at BITS Pilani, Dubai,
added, "The flexible, dynamic pricing scheme will prove to be more expensive for me as
I have a fixed schedule in my university from 7.30am to 3.40pm. So unfortunately, my
timings will fall exactly within the higher toll bracket"
As a remedy, he added, "I will have to make adjustments by opting for carpooling
among friends or commuting by bus instead.”

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/transport/avoid-peak-hour-carpooling-uae-motorists-brace-
for-changes-as-dubai-plans-new-salik-tolls-fees