Transport authority provides cold drinks for passengers waiting for bus in Dubai

Dubai: Cold drinks have been served to passengers waiting for buses in the summer, in a campaign organised by the Public Transport Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority.

However, passengers said that the RTA should focus on building more shelters and seating areas in main bus stations, such as Deira, Bur Dubai and Satwa. The few shelters force passengers to stand for long periods of time in the baking summer heat.

In June, Gulf News reported that 49 of the 1,000 planned air conditioned bus shelters in Dubai had been opened and are operational. However, many more are still not yet functioning and others are still in the process of being completed.

The RTA refreshments campaign will run until August 29.

Abdullah Yousuf Al Ali, Director of the Bus Department at the RTA's Public Transport Agency, said: "The Public Transport Agency is always keen to provide every means of comfort to the public, including users of public buses, through cooperation with a number of private, government and semi-government entities in the UAE in launching a number of campaigns aiming to make public bus transit an enjoyable experience. This campaign targets several bus stations including Gold Souk, Al Ghubaiba, Al Satwa, Al Sabkha, Al Ghusais, Hor Al Anz, Al Rashidiya and Jebel Ali stations.

"This step is a true manifestation of the spirit of cooperation prevailing between these companies and the RTA towards realising its vision of providing safe and smooth transport for all. Such cooperation is demonstrated in provision of every means of convenience to bus commuters. This will undoubtedly contribute to easing traffic jams and minimise pollution by vehicles on Dubai roads," he said.

Over a period of 40 days, 535,512 bottles of mineral water and refreshments were distributed to passengers waiting for buses.

In June, Gulf News reported that 49 of the 1,000 planned air conditioned bus shelters in Dubai had been opened and are operational.