The cost of living in Dubai is set to rise as new developments impact daily commuters. This makes it possible for authorities in Dubai to jack up the standards of living as new structures affect commuting individuals. Last year, two new Salik toll gates were opened through which daily expenses of the city residents, including the expatriates, have been greatly influenced. These toll gates are to be established to manage traffic problems but it has generated much social-political criticism in terms of extra costs.
New Salik Toll Gates in Dubai
Two new Salik toll gates have been launched in Dubai yesterday, expanding its toll system even more. One of the gates has been erected on Business Bay Bridge, an important corridor for commerce centres, for example, Sharjah or East Dubai. The second gate has been established at Al Safa South Gate, which is situated at Sheikh Zayed Road between Meydan St and Umm Al Sharif St. These modifications raise the number of gates that are under Salik fees in Dubai to ten.
Daily Costs on the Rise
This new toll gates are an added cost of eight Dirhams per day or even more to many people in Dubai depending on the routes they use. The end-users of these roads, especially the frequent commuters, are now left with no choice than to adjust their budgets all in the name of paying for these tolls while the taxi operators have informed the public that most of their fares have relatively gone high due to the top up of toll fees.
Frustrations Among Residents
These gates have been implemented recently, and this has made travelers so frustrated. There is also the question of the absence of updates on Google Maps, where drivers confused with the new toll zones can get caught. Most of the affected residents are now forced to look for other shortcuts to evade the hinted charges although it may at times be impossible when in the course of going to work or other essential duties.
Also Read: 5 Best Beach Resorts in Ajman with Stunning Views Just 40 Minutes Away from Dubai
Tradeoff Between Congestion and Cost
The new toll gates are among efforts aimed at regulating the flow of traffic in the city, which is always noted for its traffic-choked avenues and higher density of vehicles. While the government is focused on traffic efficiency, certain costs have become an issue of concern because they incurred more expenses on rent, school fees and other standards of living for expatriates in Dubai.
Residents’ Reactions
This new gates have been received with different feelings from the local communities. Some believe the idea may help cut congestion on the roads, but majority agrees that it comes with other costs. Internet pages and social networks have been filled with complaints and proposals for other policies, which might eliminate traffic problems while slightly affecting living costs.
Conclusion
With increasing number of families struggling to afford basic needs due to high cost of living in Dubai these new Salik toll gates painted a picture of the lives of residents in a progressing city. As much as it is fruitful to map strategies of addressing infrastructure and congestion, it is necessary not to turn the wheel away from the purse strings of people living in Dubai. As the city progresses, managing the needs of the people of different age, gender, race, status, etc. will definitely determine the viability of the city in the face of global competition in investment, living, etc.