UAE | Traffic and Transport
Bus stops set up at paid parking zones in Sharjah
Bus stops that have been set up in the same place as paid parking zones for cars are causing problems for residents.
- By Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:17 March 25, 2009
- Image Credit: Atiq-Ur-Rehman/Gulf News
- Authorities have installed new bus stops in paid parking areas in Sharjah. Motorists say they will continue to park in paid zones and want the bus stops moved.
Sharjah: Bus stops that have been set up in the same place as paid parking zones for cars are causing problems for residents.
"The bus stops about 10 metres ahead of the designated area and I get very nervous while trying to alight the vehicle, because motorists get impatient and keep honking for the bus to get out of the way," said Mohammad Taher, a commuter who takes the bus regularly.
The conflict of bus stops and paid parking zones have also come under the scrutiny of the Sharjah Municipality, who urged relevant authorities to resolve the matter.
Abdul Rahman Al Mahmoud, Manager of Transport and Freightage Department, Sharjah Municipality, confirmed that the department is currently trying to solve the problem but declined to disclose what measures will be taken.
Motorists said they were also at their wits end regarding the circulation of buses, as they tend to park in the middle of the road and hold up traffic.
"I know that I park my car near the bus stop and that the bus cannot park there, but that is not my problem. I pay money for my parking space and have every right to use it," said Khalid Al Qassab, a salesman who lives in the area.
Sharjah Public Transport Corporation (SPTC), the authority responsible for setting up the bus stops, has not yet taken any measures to relocate them. A senior official at SPTC said that he was aware of the problem but that the issue is difficult to resolve due to the lack of infrastructure in the city.
There are currently five bus routes in the emirate and the SPTC operates more than 40 buses.
Although the SPTC previously announced that they plan to introduce a dedicated lane for buses so as to reduce traffic congestion, the transport official said it was unlikely that it will take shape any time soon.
"The roads are very narrow and there is no dedicated bus lane, so buses cannot stop near the designated areas and we have received many complaints from passengers," he said.
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