Limitless, a leading real estate firm in Dubai, has launched an initiative that is encouraging travellers across the emirate to switch from road transport to rail from April 18.

The developer of The Galleries at Downtown Jebel Ali hopes its commercial tenants and Dubai-based employees will be the first to sign up for its Metro Monday initiative, which aims to kick-start a long-term reduction in car dependency in the emirate.

“Following its opening last month, the Metro station at Downtown Jebel Ali is carrying hundreds of commuters each day, including around 200 who work at The Galleries and other offices in the Jafza South area,” said Bahaa Abouhatab, project director of The Galleries.

“This is a good start, but to reinforce our commitment to cutting congestion and promoting alternative transport at our developments, we want more people to take the train.”

“We are asking our own staff and the growing number of tenants at The Galleries to lead by example and to use the Metro for all or part of their commute on Monday, April 18.  We also encourage the wider community of Dubai to use the day to think long term about their travel habits, and to leave the car behind for some journeys.”

Congestion and road accidents in Dubai cost the emirate Dh30 billion ($8.16 billion) annually, according to official released earlier this year.

Globally, people spend, on average, five years of their life in traffic.  Limitless’ policy of moving people and not just cars at its developments – including The Galleries – will reduce pollution, save money, improve health and boost productivity, a statement said.

Limitless staff will hand out a selection of branded gifts to travellers who disembark at the Downtown Jebel Ali station on Metro Monday, it added. – TradeArabia News Service