RTA and Community Development Authority mull boosting cooperation, supporting elderly

0
1338

Source:  www.rta.ae

During the visit, discussions focused on Zukhr initiative; which avails select and distinguished package of services to Emirati elderlies in which more than 35 government, semi-government and private entities take part.

At the start of the gathering, Al Tayer welcomed the delegation which comprised a number of Emirati elderlies, and commended their contribution and role in serving their nation & community. He also praised their continual input through instilling the concept of good citizenship, patriotism and loyalty to leaders in the conscience of youngsters and upcoming generations.

Al Tayer reiterated RTA’s keenness on boosting the strategic partnership with the CDA in its capacity as the competent entity as regards streamlining and uplifting the community development structures in the Emirate of Dubai. “The RTA is committed to carry out a host of community-oriented initiatives to serve the elderly and the disabled in implementation of the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to transform the UAE, especially the Emirate of Dubai, into an arena for charitable activities, humanitarian works, and enhanced community development. It also echoes the efforts made to deliver on the objectives of the initiative of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council (My Community Offers a Place For Everyone) aimed to fully transform Dubai into a disabled-friendly city by 2020,” stated Al Tayer.

“The RTA attaches paramount attention to the disabled and elderly as reflected in customizing the design of all mass transit means, including the metro, buses, marine transit modes and taxis, to meet the requirements of the disabled. The RTA also offers a wide spectrum of complimentary services to elderly and disabled citizens such as the exemption of the disabled from paying public transport fares through offering them free NOL cards enabling them free rides on all public transport means including the Dubai Metro, buses and the Water Bus. The disabled are also exempted from Salik toll, vehicle registration fees, and paid parking fees besides allocating them free parking slots in prime locations. Elderlies are exempted from paid parking fees, and offered 50% discount on NOL cards,” added RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director.

Al Tayer hailed the numerous initiatives launched by the CDA targeting the disabled, elderlies, children, families and inmates. He also praised CDA’s efforts in introducing policies, standards and controls as regarding the disbursement of social benefits, allocation of subsidies & financial assistance to Emiratis, and diffusing the culture of volunteering amongst various spectrums of the community.

H.E. Khalid Al Kamda, Director General of the Human Development Authority, commended RTA’s efforts in supporting the programs and initiatives of the CDA, particularly Sanad Card designated for the disabled in Dubai, and Zukhr Card offering a select package of services to Emirati elderlies in which more than 35 government, semi-government and private entities take part.

“Caring for the elderlies comes in fulfillment of their rights due from us as well as the community, and a testament to our humanitarian, ethical and religious commitments towards those who founded our nation and paved the way for our prosperity and civilization,” said Al Kamda.

At the end of the visit, elderlies presented a memento to H.E. Al Tayer in recognition of RTA’s efforts in nurturing an advanced infrastructure of public transport that meets the needs of the elderlies, disabled and various community segments which in turn contributed to easing the mobility of inhabitants all over the Emirate. More info