Is It Safe To Use Public Transportation During COVID-19?
COVID-19 seemingly affects every part of our lives, and public transportation is no different. For people who don’t drive, public transport can be a lifeline. Whether that’s to get to work, to the city, or to get home, residents need the metro, buses, and taxis!
The issue, however, is that modes of public transport can get very busy, particularly during rush hour. I wanted to know whether it’s safe to use public transportation at the moment. Dubai public transportation during COVID-19 has still run as usual, though new safety measures are in place. I ventured out to see how safe Dubai public transportations are.
My husband and I made a plan to travel from our home in Dubai Sports City to Dubai Mall. To get there, we’d take a taxi, then the metro. Then we’d get the metro again and a bus back to Dubai Sports City. So how did it go? Read on to find out!
Dubai Public Transportation During COVID-19
First up was our taxi journey to Dubai Internet City metro station. Getting into the taxi, I felt a little apprehensive. Taxis are much more of a confined space than other forms of public transport. How would they implement safety measures? However, the first thing you notice upon sitting down is the plastic divider that drapes over the back seats. This is to protect the driver from you and protect you from the driver. The plastic sheeting is transparent though, so you can still easily speak to the driver.
Another important difference is that no passengers are allowed in the front seat. There’s a maximum of two passengers in any five-seater car, which was fine for me and my husband. Of course, throughout your trip, you have to wear a mask too.
As we made our way to the station, we chatted to the driver about the safety measures in place. He mentioned that he sanitizes the seats of his car after passengers get out. I’m unsure whether all taxis drivers do this, but it’s a great added safety measure. I felt reassured that all guidelines are being followed and it felt like a safe journey! So far, Dubai public transportation during COVID-19 looked good.
To summarize:
- All passengers must wear masks while riding in a taxi.
- Clear plastic dividers allow a barrier between passengers and the driver.
- Taxi drivers may sanitize the car seats following passengers’ departure.
- Only two passengers are allowed in the taxi at any one time.
Riding The Metro During COVID-19
After arriving at Dubai Internet City metro station, it was time to head to Dubai Mall. If you haven’t used the metro in Dubai before, don’t worry. It’s super easy to use. Just get a red Nol card, a smart card that allows you to pay for different modes of transport in the city. It’s a contactless card that you can top up (minimum 7.50 dirhams). You then just tap the card on the card reader at the metro gates or entrances to public buses. Easy! To learn more about fares, zones, etc., just visit RTA website.
Firstly, you have to wear a mask when entering the station. The first indication of COVID-19 safety measures in the metro station is the social distancing markers. With so many markers in the station, you definitely won’t forget! Temperature checks are in place too. If your temperature is considered high, you will not be allowed to travel.
Onboard the metro, there are more safety measures in place. To adhere to social distancing, passengers can only sit on alternate seats. This means that no one will be sat next to you. If you don’t like busy public transport, this is probably a good thing for you!
It was strange to me seeing how quiet the metro was as we traveled. I hadn’t seen the metro this empty in so long! I’m not sure whether this is because people are working from home. Or it could be that people feel public transport isn’t safe. I did feel safe riding the metro, especially with the temperature checks in place. Since a high temperature is a key symptom of COVID-19, it was good to see them checking passengers for this.
Anyway, we’d arrived at Dubai Mall!
Metro safety measures:
- Masks must be worn at all times both in the metro station and on the metro itself.
- A member of staff will check your temperature before you can ride the metro.
- Keep a 2-meter distance between yourself and fellow passengers.
- Only sit on alternate seats to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Dubai Mall
Upon arrival at Dubai Mall, there’s an 820-meter bridge from the metro station to the mall itself. As always, you have to wear your mask in the tunnel. However, this bridge is super helpful as it means you can walk to the mall without being in the heat. And trust me, if you can avoid Dubai summer heat, you should! It’s around a 10-minute walk to the mall, and the area is one you shouldn’t miss.
There are amazing views of the Burj Khalifa and the incredible Dubai Fountain. It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Dubai, so we went outside to take some pictures. It was an extremely hot day but other than that it’s a really pleasant place to spend some time.
Afterward, it was a rush to get to the metro to film before sunset. The queue at the metro station was extremely long, as fewer people are allowed in at any one time. Dubai public transportations during COVID-19 have to adhere to social distancing guidelines. As a result, I would advise you to get there early if you’re traveling during rush hour.
Riding The Bus In Dubai During COVID-19
Finally, it was time for our bus journey home. The most efficient and connected transportation system in dubai. If you’re planning to take the Dubai Public Transportation During COVID-19, riding the bus is a must.
We took the F43 bus back to Dubai Sports City. The buses in Dubai have a similar set up to the metro. There are markers to remind you to socially distance, and you must use alternate seating. You have to wear a mask for the entirety of the journey too.
I have to add something here about the bus journey though. In the taxi, there’s plastic sheeting and the seats are sanitized. On the metro, you have your temperature checked. However, on the bus, there are no such measures in place. I didn’t feel any less safe when traveling, but it is important to note this. If you are particularly cautious with safety measures, the bus may not be your chosen mode of transport.
A great thing about the bus is that you can use your Nol red card – you don’t need a separate ticket! Just tap your card when you get on the bus. The Nol card is so easy to use and makes traveling a breeze.
Bus journeys in Dubai:
- Passengers must wear a mask for the entirety of the journey.
- Alternate seating must be used – you will not be sat next to another passenger.
- Stickers are in place to remind you of social distancing guidelines.
- Use your Nol card to get around the city on the bus!
Overall, it was interesting to see what Dubai public transportations during COVID-19 are like. I did feel safe when traveling, and I particularly liked the temperature checks in place at the metro. Using temperature checks will be the way forward, I think.
If you’re in Dubai, using public transport is a super easy and efficient way to get around the city. It’s safe too – so make the most of it!
Like the above read? Please do leave me your comments down below! And do check out my blog about Hygiene at work.
