No difference
The opening of another Salik tollgate just down the road from the one at Al Barsha is probably one of the worst ideas in the history of the city ("RTA claims success with Salik gates", Gulf News, September 17). To add to our woes, Al Safa tollgate has opened even though roadwork for the Defence Roundabout flyover is still nowhere near completion. If one weighs the loss of money to businesses against the benefits that come through Salik, I think one will find that many firms are losing money.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is not making a positive difference with Salik.
From Mr Mark Monkhouse
Dubai
Answer to ATM woes
Residents could protect their bank accounts by opening a savings account, wherein their credit balance could be retained ("UAE banks restrict ATM usage abroad", Gulf News, September 16). The automated teller machine (ATM) card could then be linked only to the current account, which would hold absolutely no money. Just before making a withdrawal at an ATM, the user could request for the desired amount to be transferred from his or her savings to the current account, by using either phone or internet banking.
From Mr Ralph Rau
Dubai
Shuttle to work
In Mumbai, India, the availability of non-stop bus shuttles that run between business hubs and shopping promenades, are a blessing during peak hours. I would request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce similar buses, catering only to offices along Shaikh Zayed Road and from Bur Dubai. Currently, both buses 21 and 92 are scheduled to take commuters from Bur Dubai to their workplaces in Shaikh Zayed Road.
However, these buses are very irregular and never on time.
From Mr Glen Vitus
Dubai
Not our faith
The Indian Mujahideen militant group have claimed responsibility for the blasts in Delhi ("Muslim anger rises as police sketch suspects", Gulf News, September 17). However, killing or spreading terror has nothing to do with Islam. Such militants place a stigma on the peaceful religion and seem to be carrying out their own personal agenda under the guise of Islam. On the contrary, Islam teaches its followers to be patient, loving, kind and charitable, especially during Ramadan. It urges its followers to be good to their neighbours and brethren, not kill or spread fear.
From Ms P. A.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Biting the dust
Due to the heavy construction near Al Muntazah residential area in Dubai, sewage trucks, water tankers and buses pass through the residential area at all times of the day. Residents suffer from respiratory problems and asthma, due to dust pollution. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have signs banning access to heavy vehicles, but drivers ignore it. The authorities must force contractors not to ply their vehicles through residential zones.
Fom Mr Lesley D. Connolly
Dubai
Harassed customer
Recently, I had a bad customer service experience with a water supply company. Although I requested for two five-gallon bottles of water, a week passed and I did not hear from them. Eventually, I decided to call the company's customer service number and have tried more than 10 times to get some decent service. However, all the customer representatives seem to do is repeat their apologies and allay me with false promises that the water bottles will be delivered to my home in less than two hours. It is surprising that they are harassing their customers, especially in Ramadan.
From Mr Husain Rajkotwala
Abu Dhabi
Give us a choice
Living along Shaikh Zayed Road, we are now forced to go through the tollgate at Al Safa every time we leave our parking lot. This is because we cannot access the highway through any road, except the one that forces us to enter just before the Salik tollgate. We do not seem to have a choice in the matter. Several residents and employees working in other buildings nearby have the same problem, and nobody seems to want to resolve it. It is very frustrating, indeed.
From Mr William Tate
Dubai
Complete chaos
The addition of Salik tollgates has made life more difficult for everyone, as there is still complete chaos on the roads. The tollgates will never be an effective means of controlling transport projects, as there is not much of a positive change. The amount of traffic on alternative routes is pathetic and it is very sad to see commuters stress out while waiting for hours in long traffic queues. Such exhaustion would only lead to poor health. I urge the authorities to at least reduce the toll fee, as it is eating through our monthly income.
From Mr Fred
Dubai
Website comment
Gridlocks
Salik tollgates have definitely worsened the traffic situation, as people now take much longer to reach home than ever before. This is due to the fact that not everyone can afford to pay for Salik twice every day. Additionally, the tollgate on Al Maktoum Bridge is ineffective, as it ultimately leads to Al Ittihad Road, where vehicles from several different routes come together and create a massive gridlock. Paying for Salik seems to be a waste of money, as it has absolutely no effect on the traffic and the time taken to reach our destinations.
From Mr Rajesh
Dubai
Website comment
