19 November 2009

The introduction of public transport buses in Abu Dhabi has been a blessing in disguise especially because it’s impossible to get a cab during peak and off peak hours.

Having said that, I write this letter to bring to the attention of the Abu Dhabi Transport Department the various malpractices happening in these buses. I had to wait at the bus stop in the afternoon for over an hour to board a bus. There were no taxis in sight. As many as four buses (No 07) passed by me. The driver of the first bus waved his hand signalling that there was another bus coming behind. The next bus arrived after 15 minutes, but the driver brought the bus close to the bus stop and then sped away before anybody could get in.

The next bus arrived a few minutes later and yet again the driver gestured that another bus would arrive soon. People waiting at the bus stop were frustrated after having waited for an hour to board the bus. Let me inform you that the above mentioned buses were practically empty.

Are the drivers just there to drive the buses, or are they employed for public service?

I have already called the Abu Dhabi Transport Department and lodged a verbal complaint, and I sincerely wish the management looks into these complaints!

Public transport is a service meant for the people. While the good work has been initiated, can someone please upgrade the performance?

19 November 2009

This is with reference to the letter, ‘Why Nationality?’ (Letters to the Editor, November 17).

We fully understand that the UAE is a country with diverse nationalities. But publicising the respective nationalities, like say, Filipino, Indian, Bangladeshi, American, British, or local gives a negative impact to that particular country. During my 10 years stay in Saudi Arabia and three years in the UAE, it’s been the same.

If the aim is to raise awareness, I do not think this helps. In fact, the reverse happens. I am sure a lot of readers will agree with me. At a workplace, people belonging to a particular nationality are bullied or joked about when a news like this is published.

In fact, I have noticed that if the news is positive, the nationality rarely gets mentioned.

Why not come straight to the point? Drop the nationality and mention only the name.

Maybe you should have a poll to find out how many people want the nationality to be mentioned, especially in a crime report.

18 November 2009

The Internet has made tremendous impact on our day-to-day lives. It can even be called the most useful invention of the century. In fact, it has made lives much easier. Yet, it leaves several aspects for consideration.

It can be civilised and urbane if used constructively and yet can prove wild and insane if misused. Too much dependence on it can pose potential dangers and can prove detrimental to the user.

Due to ‘Internet addiction’ many users, especially youngster’s experience problems in academics and suffer financial and occupational hazards.

Teen culture has been badly affected due to the easy access to pornography, scams, and other undesirable stuff. The time spent in front of the computer can be put to better use.

At the same time, there is no doubting the benefits of the internet. It is a boon in many aspects. There is no limit to the knowledge one can acquire from surfing the Net. It also helps us keep in touch with our near and dear ones. It helps us connect with our old friends.

The fact is that it is a medium. And it is both a boon and a bane. It depends on how we use it.

18 November 2009

This is about the competitions being held by supermarkets, shopping malls and radio and television channels.

Very often, after winning, we have to get after the sponsors for our prizes. My son won the first prize in a competition held by a television channel last October. We received the vouchers from the sponsors after several reminders. But, unfortunately, one of the vouchers was blank and we are unable to redeem it.

I have been contacting the sponsor but still there is not reply.

Why don’t these companies offer what they promise?

18 November 2009

I have been in the UAE for the past 11 years and I have been banking with a major Dubai-based bank, as it has been the official bank of our company.

However, for the last few years I have noticed that the bank has been trying to siphon off money from its customers’ pocket. Long time back it tried to deduct Dh15 from the account holder every month.

This was opposed by the staff of the company, and the bank was told that if they deduct the money, our company would switch its account to another bank.

After this, the practice of deducting money was stopped. Now, the bank seems to have started the practice again. This month, the bank deducted Dh35 twice from my account. The same thing has happened to a few of my colleagues also.

Can I ask the authorities why the money is being deducted without our knowledge? Is there anybody to whom I can approach for help?