Abu Dhabi passengers call for more frequent buses

Abu Dhabi: Commuters in Abu Dhabi say that while they have enjoyed the free bus rides they have received in the capital and the relief of not having to wait for taxis, they would appreciate "more frequent and reliable buses".

Nearly nine million commuters have availed themselves of the free service over the last six months. But many of those who spoke to Gulf News said the public transport service should be on offer around-the-clock, especially in the downtown area.

Abdul Kareem Idrees, a long-time resident, said that if departures were set for every five minutes, passengers would not have to wait long for buses.

"But with departures every 10 to 20 minutes or more [as is the case now] and, at times, two buses turning up at the same time, service is infrequent and unreliable." he said, suggesting that buses should stop more frequently in the downtown and inner city areas.

Samah Saber, a housewife, said she wanted the service to be offered around-the-clock. "I would suggest that buses be available around-the-clock, especially downtown and in other areas," she said.

Timings

The first bus in the capital sets off at 6am and the last leaves at midnight, with start and end times varying for the different routes. Saeed Al Hameli, general manager of the Bus Office at the Department of Transport, said a survey was being conducted to assess the need for extending the service.

He said with more routes being added, buses would become more frequent as the routes overlapped.

"We are building the network to serve congested areas and the departures are every five minutes or less on certain routes," Al Hameli said.

He said the challenge was to persuade people to leave their cars at home and catch public buses. "We want people to park their cars and catch a bus so as to help reduce emissions," Al Hameli explained.