UAE | Traffic and Transport
Al Ain to upgrade transport system
Air-conditioned bus station inaugurated, plans to introduce 350 buses covering entire eastern region.
- By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 23:03 July 20, 2009
Al Ain: The Oasis city will have a broad system of public transport in the next few years and a modern central bus terminal under a master plan announced here on Monday.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT) promised to enhance passenger facilities in the city with a fleet of 350 buses with a comprehensive network of routes covering the entire eastern region. Al Ain will also be linked to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah under the new system at a later stage.
Saeed Mohammad Al Hameli, General Manager of the Bus Transport Office of the DoT, on Monday also inaugurated a temporary air-conditioned terminal in the city.
Al Ain was earlier served by a transport system run by Al Ain Municipality. The system was taken over by the DoT a year ago.
Air-conditioned bus stations were requested by residents since the central bus stand was in an open area where passengers had to wait under the sun during summer.
He said the master plan will be implemented in different stages. Eight bus routes will be operational in Al Ain by the end of the year with a further nine routes planned for 2010.
"The master plan is part of a long term programme to decrease [public] dependency on private vehicles and reduce road congestion," he said.
The programme also aimed at providing high quality public transport and enhanced passenger facilities across the emirates, said the Al Hameli, noting that a hundred buses will be serving passengers in Al Ain by the end of the year.
The buses will have the city's distinctive orange livery and their number will rise to 134 by 2010.
"In total 350 buses will be operation by the fourth quarter of 2011, ensuring frequent services," said Al Hameli, noting that the buses are designed to be used by all passengers including special needs people.
An announcement for the new central bus terminal will be made next month, he said. The temporary terminal has a waiting area for 114 passengers plus an additional 24 seats in a women's only area. The new station offers customer service, up-to-date route and timetable information, TV and beverage stands.
"We are committed to developing a reliable, comfortable and integrated transport system for people across the emirate. By the end of the year Al Ain passengers will really notice a different and we'll all be seeing a lot more of those orange buses all over the city," said Al Hameli.
Your comments
Good effort!
Fritzy
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2009, 15:29
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