It has been nearly a month since paid parking was introduced in International City, and residents are saying the change is already reshaping how they travel.
Some residents who sold their cars following the paid parking said that they are now eagerly waiting for the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line.
For those residents who sold their cars, the Dubai Metro gives them confidence.
Selling cars, adjusting temporarily
Shahid Ali, who has been residing with his family in France Cluster for the last eight years, said paid parking pushed them to reconsider owning multiple vehicles.
“We had two cars earlier because parking was free. After paid parking started, we sold one car and decided to manage with a single vehicle until the metro comes.”
Shahid previously depended on the metro while working near Business Bay and said the experience changed his expectations of commuting.
“I parked my vehicle at the Centrepoint station and took the metro. You know exactly when you will reach the office or home. Once the Blue Line connects this area, many people won’t need extra cars,” he added.
Metro, Dubai’s lifeline
Residents describe Dubai Metro as the backbone of daily movement across many parts of the city, which connects residential neighbourhoods with business hubs and airports.
Shaver Khan, who earlier lived near a metro station in Al Qusais, said commuting was easier.
“I shifted to International City last year when I brought my car. Parking was very difficult. But now we have parking, but with added expenses. When you travel by metro, you don’t worry about traffic, fuel or parking. Life used to be organised if you depended on the metro,” said Khan.
Khan has now sold his car and now relies on buses and carpooling with his flatmates but said that now the wait for metro connectivity feels temporary.
“The moment the Blue Line opens, travelling to work will become much simpler and cheaper,” he said. More
