The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently removed the social distancing stickers inside metro trains and stations in view of the decreasing cases of COVID-19 in the country. The move was welcomed by residents, netizens and regular riders of Dubai Metro as a positive sign of full recovery from COVID-19.

Taking to social media, UAE residents hailed the RTA's decision to remove social distancing stickers as an indicator that normalcy is returning in Dubai. Speaking with the media, RTA officials also confirmed that Dubai Metro operations are returning to normalcy as social distancing stickers have been removed.

“Social distancing stickers being removed from Dubai Metro stations – signs heading for full recovery from Covid. Alhamdulillah,” Mirza Muhammed Rafat said on Twitter.

Another netizen, JZTraveler, shared a photo showing staff removing the social distancing stickers on the floor of the metro station.

“Social distancing sticker getting remove at Dubai metro station… We’re well on the way to full recovery," the user said in the post.

In conversation with the media, Filipino expat Mark, who uses the metro to work on a regular basis, said that the removal of stickers sends a positive message. It further creates a psychological impact that things are returning to normal (pre-pandemic times), he added.

This rapid return to normalcy can also be attributed to RTA's swift response and effective strategy to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Earlier this month, the RTA confirmed that the number of passengers allowed on public buses across Dubai is also expected to be increased soon. The RTA is currently reviewing various measures to increase passenger capacity on modes of public transport in Dubai.

"With the relaxation of COVID-19 rules by the government, the RTA is considering stepping up the number of passengers permitted on public buses across Dubai,” RTA said.

The decision is also in line with the surge in demand for bus services and provision of more mass transit options for the Expo 2020 Dubai, which kickstarted on October 1.

Furthermore, the RTA is working on diversifying its bus-on-demand services to more communities across the emirate. Started in February 2020, RTA’s bus-on-demand service has emerged to be one the biggest success among public transport users. The app-based service helps allows riders in cutting waiting time and check route flexibility as per their preference.