Would you take a crowded bus if it meant saving the environment? As well as having less impact on the environment public transport is also cost-effective - and potentially a great place to socialise. Tempers flare and residents continue to complain about how driving is increasingly difficult due to the bad behaviour of motorists. Yet, more and more cars are swamping the UAE's roads. While there are many options for public transport, residents continue to stay away from it. What stops you from using mass transport? How do you think more people could be encouraged to take the bus as opposed to their car?
Public transport is not as convenient as private transport.
People who own a car definitely do not consider public transport, as it is more convenient to drive your way around the city. As far as the Metro is concerned, people would use it based on how buses are operating to and from the stations. In case it is not convenient, I personally would prefer my car. The nearest Metro station is a good 15 minutes walk from my home and I definitely wouldn't want to take that walk in the heat.
Asif Dhanani
Dubai
At the moment, bus service in the UAE is not punctual and often buses don't take you to an exact location. In Malaysia, my home country, I wouldn't mind using the bus or train to commute around the city. Once the Metro is operational, I would take it, provided the feeder bus service is helpful. Additionally, it would have to be clean and convenient. Trains are mostly on time globally, it is just the bus services that get delayed.
Leonard Theng
Dubai
I used to travel using public buses until two years ago. It was quite a bad experience, then, as the number of buses was quite low and if you did find one, it would be very crowded. You need to know the routes well or else you would have to walk in the heat to reach your destination. As soon as I got a driving licence, I bought a car. Today, I prefer driving, as it is easier to travel.
Reynald Verano
Dubai
I have always preferred driving. It is easier and more convenient. In my 30 years of driving in Abu Dhabi, I have never used a bus. But the bus service has improved considerably over the years. They are more punctual and provide more options. At times, when my car is not available, I do take taxis. But it is quite difficult to find one, especially when you are in a hurry.
Mohammad Sadiq Al Hakim
Abu Dhabi
Commuters do not care about the environmental impact of using their cars.
I don't think people are aware of the hazard to the environment. It is more to do with convenience. Nowadays, it is easier to find taxis and buses, which is why many people are using public transport. Once Dubai Metro is operational, I am sure many more will opt for mass transport. It is not that people don't care, the options till now were just not convenient.
Wayne Fernandes
Dubai
There are some people who have four or five cars at home, and every member drives individually, even when they can car pool. I drive to university with my mother, who works nearby. Before I got a licence two years ago, I used the university bus service. Even when I had to take the public bus, I found it to be quite efficient. It has only improved since, which should encourage more residents to use it.
Vishal Thomas
Sharjah
People definitely do not bother about the environmental impact of their decision. There are many options they could use, like cycling or using the bus. However, using the bus unfortunately is associated with blue-collar workers. People often try to own a car because they think they have to meet people's expectations. I've used the train a lot in the UK, having lived there for more than 30 years.
Laurie Jaggard
Ras Al Khaimah
I don't think people don't care. They don't have many options apart from driving. I have been living in the UAE for over 15 years and have never taken a bus. I drive to work as I know of friends who have had to wait for hours for a bus. This is why many people cannot choose public transport. Hopefully, once the Metro is operational, people will start using it. Mass transport always works out, as it is better for everyone's pocket.
Sangeeta Doshi
Dubai
Cost of living will drive more people to use public transport.
People would only use public transport if it is convenient. Currently, bus stations are quite far apart and people have to walk a lot to reach their destination. Hopefully, when the Metro arrives, people would opt for it. The transport fares are quite low, which is encouraging for people. If the Metro stations are well connected and alternative transport options are provided to commuters, people would definitely go for it.
Mahmoud Abdullah Al Ashqar
Dubai
I did use buses earlier, but stopped once I got a car. The experience was not bad at all, except that it took long to reach my destination. However, that is expected as it is a public bus. I don't think the cost of living would matter, as many people travel regularly across cities. I am quite excited about the Metro, however, as once it starts I would like to take a trip around Dubai with my friends, to get the feel of it.
Rehan Khalid
Sharjah
People want to save money in every way they can. They would prefer using public transport, as nothing seems to be getting cheaper. Car maintenance costs are quite high. But having your own car is extremely convenient. You never know when you would need to travel. Our lifestyle is such, that it is easier to use private transport. People avoid using buses as they consider it is a transport only for blue collar workers.
Huzaifa Kalimi
Al Ain
I came to the UAE in 1991 and the number of buses, since then, has increased drastically. It is much easier to use the bus now. Once the Metro comes in, people would definitely opt for it if they could. However, some residents like me may not be able to use it, as I don't have a Metro station nearby. I would have to walk for a long time before I reach the station. In the heat, that is not really an option.
Dilan Selvadurai
Dubai
Mass transport will reduce road rage, resulting in happier people.
There will still be many people using cars in the UAE, even after mass transport options are introduced. Also, road rage is here to stay, as it is not due to the number of cars on the road, but the attitude of people driving them. Walking from your house to the stops and then to your offices is not going to make people happier.
Bindu Sathianesan
Dubai
The buses are quite convenient to use. This is mainly because of the phenomenal increase in the number of buses. Earlier, it was very difficult to find either a bus or a taxi. The Metro prices will also be affordable and hopefully save a lot of time and emotion. Drivers will be in a good mood when the roads are clearer, too.
Jackie Lou Dela Cruz
Dubai
Taxis are the main cause of road rage on Dubai roads. I am not sure if the Metro would help reduce traffic or road rage as it would mostly be aimed at blue collar workers. Mass transport at the moment, too, is not very convenient. One has to wait for a long time for a bus. I wouldn't mind using the Metro once in a while, though.
Zoheb Saleem
Dubai
People who work every day would definitely use the Metro. Others would continue driving. People are sometimes agitated on the roads, but it is understandable, especially during Ramadan as people are fasting. I would probably use the Metro occasionally, but I don't think it is an option for regular use.
Salwa Al Obaidli
Dubai