Cheese! Abu Dhabi passengers get cameras in bus shelters

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi residents will soon be able to photograph themselves and e-mail it to somebody while waiting for a bus.

A camera connected to a computer with internet at the bus shelters will make it possible, a senior official told reporters on Saturday.

"If you are on the way to somewhere, you can inform (convince) somebody waiting for you that you are at a bus stop," Saeed Al Hameli, General Manager of the Public Bus Office in Abu Dhabi said, when asked about the purpose of such a facility at a bus shelter.

"People can use it for sending their pictures for other purposes as well."

SOS button

The official spoke to reporters while unveiling the first prototype of the 550 new air conditioned bus shelters due to begin service in the summer of 2009.

The internet service at the shelters will be free to begin with but a nominal fee will be charged later, said Al Hameli.

"Most of the shelters will be air conditioned with an iconic design and eight seats can accommodate up to 20 people," said Al Hameli.

"They will have good ventilation, ample reading light, wheelchair access and an SOS button for emergency purpose and a surveillance camera for security."

Abu Dhabi Municipality has been taking strong action against people who sleep in public parks.

"If anybody is found sleeping in the air-conditioned shelters (through the surveillance cameras), the call centre will alert the police," said Al Hameli. "It will be automatically locked after the last bus service at night."

The shelters will also feature around-the-clock information monitors to update passengers on relevant information such as buses schedules, maps and switch routes, estimated journey times and costs.

They are also planning to use the electronic ticketing system when implemented. "Now the shelters will be open to everybody, but later the access will be controlled by electronic tickets or smart cards," said the official.

How helpful would this service be for commuters? Is there a lack of bus shelters? How can more residents be encouraged to use the public transport system?

Why do you need a camera in the bus station?
Roshni
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 23, 2008, 12:17

It will be fun!
Wazir Ali Tunio
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 23, 2008, 11:34

We must appreciate the efforts taken by the authorities to popularise the use of public transport.
Sruthi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 23, 2008, 10:52

This is a great step to encourage people to use public services. This will reduce the congestion and make UAE a better place. Abu Dhabi is one of the best emirates.
Suresh Basyal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 23, 2008, 09:05

That is a very good idea. It will surely encourage more people to use the public transportation system. Still, more buses connecting all areas of Abu Dhabi need to be introduced.
Rajan Rao
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: November 23, 2008, 08:57

In the age of Wifi, Blackberry, 3G mobiles and internet, a camera facility in the bus shelters will not help much.
Mohasin Abdul Rahman
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: November 23, 2008, 08:22

Abu Dhabi is doing a great job. Other emirates should follow its lead.
Shahid
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 23, 2008, 00:37