Why fine private buses, ask Sharjah commuters

Sharjah: Commuters have slammed the Sharjah Transport decision to fine "convenient" private transport companies.

Sharjah Transport has warned private companies that they would be fined if they do not get a trade licence from the Economic Development Department, and if they do not get a vehicle registration plate from Sharjah. Most of the companies running these services are based in Dubai.

Passengers who travel from Sharjah to Dubai and Jebel Ali said their buses have been stopped as they return to Sharjah and plainclothes men have asked them for their residency papers. "The driver of our bus was fined Dh4,000," said one passenger, who asked not to be named.

Kamran Ahmad, manager of Fancy Transport, said he had to pay Dh30,000 in fines. "Our buses transport 30 people to Jebel Ali. We pick up them up from Sharjah and go through Dubai to Jebel Ali and the Media City," said Ahmad.

Some transport companies have opted not to run the bus service. "We have the licence to operate in Sharjah and do not know why we are being fined," said Ahmad Yunes, sales manager at Avis Rent a Car.

A senior official at Sharjah Transport said the rule was issued in 2006 but has only been implemented in February 2007.

No surprise. It was expected. A lot of things are ahead. Wait and see.
Kashif
Dubai,UAE

No fine should be levied. These buses are a blessing for Sharjah residents, especially considering the rude attitude and service of Sharjah taxis. Kindly let the people have the option to choose a mode of transport.
Nabiel
Dubai,UAE

I believe that Sharjah Transport Authority wants Sharjah people to use the public transport instead of private transport. That?s okay to accept. But before that they have to introduce internal bus services in Sharjah.
Shaji
Dubai,UAE

I am staying in Al Nadha and working at Dubai. I am suffering more because of this problem. If RTA is starting some transport from Al Nadha to Dubai I will be very happy.
Sradha
Sharajah,UAE

I am staying in Sharjah but, working in Dubai. For two months I am facing the similar problem. Our company is leased a car for the employees staying in Sharjah and two months back the driver has got fined Dh5,000 as he dropped one of the employees in Sharjah after Concord Cinema. Due to this reason, we, the Sharjah residents have to catch the taxi to go to office. If there is a regular bus service to various locations no public will face any problems for their transportation. Also, it may reduce the traffic congestion.
Deepu
Dubai,UAE

Is Sharjah and Dubai part of same country or separate countries? If find it quite funny (and waste of resources) with rules governing taxi and public transport movement between these emirates states. A Dubai Taxi can carry passenger to Sharjah but has to return empty and same goes the case other way round.On the one hand, UAE wants to reduce private cars and on other hand, they are discouraging shared transport.
Subhan
Dubai,UAE

Why are they disturbing a well set commuting facility? These contract buses are a good alternative and until Sharjah and Dubai work out their differences, they should be allowed to operate. They reduce the amount of cars on the roads. Come on! The government is supposed to ease traffic woes not increase them! Bad move!
Sameen
Sharjah,UAE

When a rule is issued it should be to the convenience of the government and the people. In what way will this rule help the government? Surely it is a hindrance to the general public. For the past 15 day residents of Sharjah working in Dubai having no means of transport other than private transport were stranded. If you issue a rule, the question of the public is ?How do we commute?? Catch a cab to the bus station take a bus (sit in it for 2 hours) and then again another bus or cab (1 hour) Do you people only make rules to harass the public?
Evon
Sharjah,UAE

It is absolutely unfair to the commuters since there are no other modes of transport available. As a resident of Sharjah, I can understand this and request the authorities to rethink on this issue.
Abdul
Sharjah,UAE

My kids have to be transported to and from school by us in their last week before vacations because the private transport has been fined so they refuse to pick and drop the kids now. Makes life even more miserable for residents now.
Um Rayyan
Sharjah,UAE