Abu Dhabi residents happy with new bus service

Abu Dhabi: Residents in the city enjoyed the new bus service on Monday.

Most of them said they are happy to get relief from the discomfort of long wait for taxis on the streets. Apart from the comfort, an affordable bus service is a solace to the people during increasing cost of living, others said.

About 60 buses started the service on four routes on Monday morning. Although launch of the bus service was announced last week, most of the buses were empty in the morning, as the residents were not aware of the routes. "I had to answer a lot of questions about the routes," said Guldar Khan, a driver.

Abate Chernet, an Ethiopian working as a labour supervisor, said it is a real solution to the transportation woes. Although a free ride was announced, many passengers like Chernet boarded the bus with change to pay the fare. "Even if not free, we will appreciate it," said his friend Boalech.

Mustafa Thottissery, an Indian working at a flower shop, said: "I used to spend Dh15 a day on taxis which can be saved now."

Covering capital city

Route No 5 - Break Water, Marina Mall to Al Mina Shopping Centre via Zayed First Street, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi Mall and Vegetable Market.

Route No 7 -Break Water, Marina Mall to 10th Street/ Falah Street (Near Abu Dhabi Mall) via Bynuna Street and Zayed First Street.

Route No 32 -Sports City, Carrefour to Break Water, Marina Mall via Airport Road, Main Bus Terminal, East Road (4th Street), Zayed First Street.

Route No 54 - Sports City, Carrefour to Abu Dhabi Mall via Muroor Road and Tourist Club.

How will the bus service make a difference to your daily life? Do you think it will help ease the traffic congestion? How do you think people can be encouraged to use public transport? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.

It was a great and appreciable move from the Transport Department. Even if the service is a paid one, people will select, because taxi fees are too high nowadays.Thanks a lot to Abu Dhabi Transport Department.
Vinod
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 09:29

This is a good decision of Abu Dhabi Government , Economically it is great for the citizens and will let them avoid traffic congestion and parking problems in Abu Dhabi city roads. Myself, sincerely advice all public to utilize this bus services during working days.
Raj
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 09:17

Absolutely fantastic initiative, However, it may increase congestion in the first few months as Abu Dhabi streets are 3 lane streets already filled with cars (specially Falah, Defence, Hamdan, Electra), but later as people become more comfortable with buses (given that quality is maintained to accommodate all social/economic classes) they will stop using cars/taxis thus reducing traffic congestions. Hats off for the initiative though.
Asim
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 09:13

Wow!!! This is fairly a good move by the AD Municipality. I am sure this will be a relief for all those who are suffering from transportation. Also I hope there will be more buses in future through Najda, Salam, Airport Road, Passport road.
Anish
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 09:07

From my point of view, there will not be much of a difference in traffic congestion, because car users will not change their life styles all in a sudden. Only who travel by Taxis will start benefiting from the bus.
GHOUSE
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 09:06

Certainly the introduction of new buses for mass transportation will contribute a lot as follows-- Decrease in gaseous emission rates, thereby control of environmental pollution.- Advantage for low income category people, as its cheaper mode of transportation.- Lesser road accidents, as vehicles will reduce on streets.- Consumption of fuel will be reduced..Hope there will be many more advantages apart from my angle of view.CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GOVT OF ABUDHABI for such a beautiful thought
Naveen
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 09:05

No doubt, it's a welcome move. New bus service not only ease traffic flow but also a great relief for expats, to save something more. It reflects the ideas of an ideal ruling system in this great country
Saleem
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 09:05

Im very happy, I enjoy it like my own car, Thank you very much Abu Dhabi management
M.A.KHADER
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 09:01

Yes of course, people can be encouraged to use new facility, one thing, it will be great, if they can publish the route map, stop by stop... many are unaware, Good Luck--- Best wishes
Abdul
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 08:58

I am very happy to see this buss service start...we are facing a lot of problems in commuting. Because we do not get Taxis at time...and we are always late for our jobs. This service now is a very good thing for us but please give more buss for all stops...Thanks.
sana
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 08:43

I would like to thank the transport authority and obviously gulf news also. because of gulf news we became to know about the buses... its really very good that authority start such buses. I think new bus service will solve my problems, and also it will solve traffic jams also.
Archana
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 08:42

It is a big relief to me. It will cut travel time because waiting for taxi takes about 30 mins especially on early morning and late afternoon. It will also ease traffic congestion because car owners will be encouraged to use the bus service instead of using their car. I wish that more routes be introduced so that more destinations can be served
Rene
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 08:34

Though i haven't had the chance to try out this new bus system, it looks to me that it is a good initiative. i hope that it would genuinely serve to ease the transportation burden especially with costs.
jules
abu-dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 08:25

Yes, It will ease the traffic conjunction and lack of taxi?s.But I feel many people are not aware about the route. So its better to release a rout map to the public.
Santhosh
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 08:11

Its a great relief for the public. Apart from that, this will reduce the road traffic. And It would be much better if they can provide separate buses for ladies. We, ladies usually are not comfortable to travel with other men, for many reasons. We are not sure how feasible is the idea. But this would be a great relief for working ladies as well as house wives who are travelling without their husbands.
Sabitha
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 08:09

This is a great start; this should have been a few years ago.If there is a good bus service, with buses that have a planned schedule more people will be encouraged to take them .A good step to go green
Hasnah
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 07:41

This is fantastic. The government is indeed very sensitive to the needs of the people. I salute this move..
kendi
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 07:31

I saw it today and am very glad the Ministry of Transportation came up with it.But they should post time schedules,making it more known to the public.
Ana
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 01:37

It's nice to hear that Abu Dhabi government has implemented a good public transportation service. This is a great help for the people who are waiting for taxis in the middle of the burning up streets. For this summer season we need to be comfortable to reach our destination. Let's use public transport to ease the problem of traffic.
charles
abu dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2008, 00:43