With the increasing toll charges in Dubai, many motorists are finding ways to avoid paying hefty amounts for using the Salik gates on their daily commutes. For some, taking longer routes is a more cost-effective solution than paying toll charges. Abdul Qadir, who works in Al Barsha and commutes daily from Abu Shagara in Sharjah, is considering alternative routes to avoid the Dh8 toll at the Al Mamzar gate, which is expected to double with the addition of a new gate on Business Bay. Qadir believes that the extra cost of petrol for taking a longer route would still be lower than paying toll charges, resulting in significant savings for him.
Adnan Mehmood, an IT professional living in Dubai, has also found ways to avoid Salik tolls by choosing alternative routes like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road when travelling to Abu Dhabi or Jebel Ali, and Jumeirah Road for trips to Dubai Marina or JLT. While he agrees that sometimes it is worth paying the tolls for time-saving purposes, he opts for longer routes to save on toll charges. Similarly, M. Khan, a 28-year-old professional, emphasizes the importance of choosing routes based on the type of vehicle one owns, as smaller cars may find it more feasible to avoid tolls and take longer routes.
Fahad, a businessman with a fleet of rental vehicles, is concerned about the impact of the new Salik gates on his expenses, which are expected to rise significantly with the addition of two new gates. While he prioritizes saving time by paying tolls when necessary, he also looks for ways to reduce toll expenses by exploring alternative routes. Abeer, an aviation professional, suggests carpooling and relocating closer to the office as effective strategies to minimize the financial burden of the new Salik toll gates on motorists and commuters.
Overall, the increasing toll charges in Dubai are forcing motorists and commuters to rethink their travel routes and find alternatives to avoid excessive toll expenses. While some prioritize time-saving and are willing to pay toll charges, others, especially those with limited incomes, opt for longer routes to save on costs. With the addition of new Salik gates, the financial impact on daily commuters is expected to be significant, prompting individuals to consider carpooling and relocating closer to their offices as viable solutions to reduce travel expenses. As the cost of living continues to rise in Dubai, finding ways to cut down on transportation expenses has become a priority for many residents.
