Sharjah
I live in the Al Nahda area in Sharjah and work in Dubai. Every day, I go to work using public transport, usually a bus operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The bus stop is not too far from my building, so it’s a short walk to get there.
Since I moved to Al Nahda in March, 2014, I have noticed a vast increase in the number of commuters from this area. Therefore, I am concerned about the current traffic situation.
There are two bus stops located in this area, both across the street from my building. I’m referring to the Amman Street.
However, there is no pedestrian crossing or bridge provided near these bus stops. The only pedestrian crossings in the area are located at the traffic signals, which are at least a 15-minute walk from my building. It is not practical for most people to walk this distance every morning, because they have to walk the same distance again when going home in the evening. The weather is better now, but during the summer it is tough to walk outside. We don’t want to arrive at work perspiring.
Therefore, all pedestrians are seen risking their lives to cross the street so as to reach the bus stops (as seen in the photograph). They wait for the traffic to clear up and then run across, which is very dangerous, but they don’t seem to have a choice.
In this situation, motorists are also affected with the sudden crossing of many pedestrians. They are not expecting it and have to suddenly brake in order to allow people to cross safely. This could result in an accident some day and can endanger many lives.
A majority of commuters are dealing with this situation on a daily basis. It’s a part of their commute now. I request the concerned authorities to please help us sort this issue out. We are hoping to have a pedestrian crossing or bridge in this area to make it easier for public transport users to reach the bus stops.
The reader is based in Sharjah.
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