What’s on details an RTA initiative where commuters could win gold on public transport in Dubai. Plus, other events during Public Transport Day.

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First there was the ‘your weight in gold’ program, and now the precious metal is up for grabs once more: this time it’s to lure people out of their cars and into mass transi – for a week at least.

The RTA is offering gold as an incentive for a public transport initiative launched this week.

In the run up to Public Transport Day on November 1, commuters are in with a chance of winning Dhs1m worth of prizes including 4kg of gold, smartphones and tablets to be won every day for one week through a raffle draw.

To qualify, contestants must register their Nol silver and gold cards through RTA’s public transport app on smartphones or use their Nol Blue cards.

“Through the Public Transport Day initiative, the RTA seeks to encourage various community segments to shun reliance on private vehicles and switch to using public transport modes in the emirate,” said Dr Yousuf Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency and Chair of the Public Transport Day Committee.

“The more trips a person makes using public transport the more entries go into the draw. We will give away half a kilo of gold every day as well as iPhones and smartphones,” said Mohammad Al Ali, Director of Buses at RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT DAY EVENTS

Blood donation camps
Health checks and blood donation camps are held at various locations, including Al Ghubaiba station on October 31 and November 1 where blood donors could walk away with branded sunglasses worth Dhs1,000.

Basketball matches
On November 1, there are basketball matches at Al Ghubaiba Metro station which will be attended by US basketball star Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Teams of three can participate in three different categories, with a Dhs30,000 prize package. To enter, visit rta.duplays.com.

Ferry trips to The World island
Set sail from Al Ghubaiba marine station to The World island, and travellers could be in with a chance of winning mobile phones and tablets on every trip. Trips are offered twice daily on October 26 and 28 and on November 1.

Cycle races
Cycle races will be held at seven different stations throughout the week. It is a two-minute competition and the winner will go away with Gold Nol cards worth Dhs50.