Dubai vaccinates all taxi and public transport drivers

The plan hopes to achieve zero-emissions from public transport in Dubai by 2050

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and other authorities, has administered the COVID-19 vaccination to all eligible taxi and public transport drivers, which accounts for more than 20,000 individuals.

“RTA kicked off the campaign by alerting employees and encouraging them to take the vaccine shots provided at specialist health centres,” said Nada Jasim, Director of Safety, Risk, Regulation and Planning, Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, RTA.

“Mass messages were broadcasted to employees via internal media channels urging them to take the vaccine during this exceptional time. RTA sorted employees who have completed the vaccination per sectors and agencies.

“RTA prepared two internal centres in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority and other Authorities; one for vaccinating taxi and bus drivers from 19 January to March 2021, and the other for vaccinating other employees as of 3 February 2021.

“About 40,000 vaccination shots have been provided for drivers, front-end staff, metro and tram operators, parking inspectors and all employees along with their close family members.

“The campaign also covered outsourcing employees, school bus drivers, Bike Delivery riders and limo drivers as part of efforts to ensure the health and safety of all. The centre has been fitted with 30 counters to vaccinate 1200-1500 people a day clocking at 150 people an hour. All precautionary measures have been taken at the centre including physical distancing,” explained Jasim.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has stressed the importance of the campaign against COVID-19 and says it has provided three types of locally and internationally approved vaccines such that individuals can have several options.

The UAE has been among the frontrunners in the vaccine rollout, as it looks to jab half of its population by the end of March. At the time of writing, the DHA said it was well on the way to achieving that goal, though the immunisation of frontline transport workers will no doubt reassure staff and passengers alike when the time comes to return fully to Dubai’s buses and metro trains.