DED urges staff to use mass transportation on Public Transport Day

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has announced its participation in the third Public Transport Day being observed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on 1 November, 2012. The initiative aims to encourage mass public transit and reduce pollution caused by car exhausts, thus contributing to protecting the environment, in addition to reducing congestion on the emirate’s roads.

Through participating in the Public Transport Day DED seeks to encourage the spirit of cooperation among government employees, contribute to environmental conservation, and strengthen relations as well as a sense of equality among staff irrespective of their positions. DED will also raise its parking fee to AED 25 per hour on that day, except for people with special needs, to support the initiative and encourage staff and customers to use mass transit.

His Excellency Mr Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED, said: “DED aims to develop sustainability not only on an economic scale, but across all avenues to strengthen social and environmental responsibility. Our participation is part of DED’s efforts towards closer cooperation with other government departments in Dubai in line with the strategic policy of the Government of Dubai to create synergies that promote best practices and improve economic sustainability.”

Al Qamzi praised the RTA initiative as a symbol of humanitarian and social responsibility towards the environment, emphasising that it will contribute significantly to ease congestion and reduce harmful emissions, though to a small extent.

The Department of Economic Development has notified all employees on the importance of the Public Transport Day via e-mail and through SMS. DED is also offering incentives and prizes to employees who contribute to the success of the initiative by using mass transit.