Sharjah: Private transportation companies have discontinued their services to Sharjah as they felt the new regulations issued by Sharjah Transport were too cumbersome.
"I have stopped our three buses from going to Sharjah because the authorities have not informed me on how I should register and the costs of setting up office in Sharjah are too high for me," said Abdul Latif Daig, General Manager at Hafeez Bus Rental.
Sharjah Transport issued a new set of regulations which was implemented last month, stating that private bus rental companies had to register with the Economic Development Department for a trade licence in addition to changing some of their bus licence plate numbers from Dubai to Sharjah.
First time offenders have been fined Dh2,000 and repeated offenders have been fined Dh4,000. Private transportation companies are also required to open an office in Sharjah.
"I had requests for five more buses to Sharjah but I have refused them unless the employers of the passengers are willing to bear the costs," he said. "I cannot find any space for an office and the rent is high. I would rather focus on doing business in Dubai," he said.
Ahmad Yunes, sales manager at Avis Rent a Car, said that the company stopped all routes to Sharjah because it is currently focusing on the Salik toll in Dubai.
Notice to passengers
"We gave notice to customers that by the end of June, more than 20 of our buses will stop transporting passengers from Sharjah to Dubai Internet City," he said.
"Right now we are worried about Salik. We have future plans to register with Sharjah Transport, but because our business in Dubai is growing, we want to concentrate on that," he added.
However, one transport company is currently in the process of registering with Sharjah Transport but is still receiving fines from inspectors.
"We are in the process of registering with Sharjah Transport and will get all the necessary documents within two weeks," said Kamran Ahmad, manager at Fancy Transport.
"We are still getting fined, but we still have to continue our transport services to our passengers," he said.
Your comments
I think it is best to introduce city buses within Sharjah to help ease this transportation problem.
Ronald
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 08, 2007, 12:29
I am a resident of Sharjah but I am working in the Jebel Ali Freezone. I can not afford a car so I commute. If transport providers don't do service then people like me will be in trouble.
Ramdas
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 08, 2007, 11:02
Because of these problems, commuters will be affected. As of now buses are not enough. If private bus rental companies will stop their operation then it would be a big problem.
Marge
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 08, 2007, 10:46
With this transportation interruption, chances are high that Sharjah residents will consider shifting to Dubai. Sharjah authorities should study this.
Smitha
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 08, 2007, 10:12
I made the mistake of setting up my business in Sharjah and I am suffering for the authorities' apparent apathy towards making business worthwhile for investors.
Anil
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 08, 2007, 08:43
It is indeed ridiculous that men dressed in civilian clothes stop transporters and fine them. There was no declaration by the Sharjah Transport or Economic Department in the papers that such a thing would be taking place.
Evon
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 08, 2007, 07:55
