Abu Dhabi's Department of Transport has announced that it is introducing a new toll system on the capital's roads. While some motorists in the capital have expressed their irritation at the prospect of paying extra transport fees, this new scheme will improve the quality of life of residents and generate an estimated Dh400 million in annual revenue. The new charges aim to ease congestion on the city's highways and encourage drivers to use greener transportation.
Promoting a more environmentally conscious way of life is crucial for our planet, especially at a time when the disastrous consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent. A recent study published in the journal Nature Geoscience by a team of international experts revealed that the planet is now experiencing its highest temperatures in 2,000 years. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is key to curbing this trend. To this effect, electric cars will be exempt from paying the new fee for two years, in order to promote their use among Abu Dhabi drivers.
However, the success of this new scheme relies on Abu Dhabi's ability to expand and improve public transportation in the city. The acting director at the Department of Transport, Ibrahim Sarhan Al Hamoudi, told The National that 300 buses have already been ordered to cater for rising demand after the tolls are implemented. This follows a 25 per cent increase in Abu Dhabi's bus fleet between 2017 and 2018. It is hoped that the toll system will reduce weekday rush hour traffic by roughly 8,000 vehicles, according to estimates by the Department of Transport. In the meantime, we should all give alternative modes of transportation a chance. For those seeking to exercise more, walking and cycling are great during the cooler months. In the hot season, carpooling is an effective and sociable option. We all have a part to play in making our city an even more enjoyable place to live, and reducing our carbon footprint. Abu Dhabi's latest measure is a reminder that small things, like choosing to share a ride to work, or cycling to your local shop, can have a positive impact on the planet.