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Now wait for bus in comfort of AC

With a contract value of Dh17.5 million per annum, based on a Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) for 10 years, Right Angle Media is investing in the project for its construction and maintenance. The maintenance cost for these shelters is Dh3.5 million per annum and eventually will be approximately Dh40 million over the decade.

Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of Public Transport at RTA said, “To encourage people across various segments of society to use public transport, Dh12 million will be invested to upgrade the public transport and increase the network while 80 new state-of-the-art Citaro buses amounting to Dh130 million will also be introduced next year.

These investments are being done to reduce the existing burgeoning traffic conditions and accidents thus increasing smooth flow of traffic and safety.” He also said that the location was chosen to start off as a model because VIPs frequented the nearby hotels.

Al Mulla also explained that people will not have to run after buses to board them as the system will allow buses to stop only if passengers are present. “Passengers need to press a button which will flash a signal to the approaching bus following which the driver will stop at the shelter,” explained Al Mulla.

Accordingly, around 500 bus shelters will be built across the emirate in the coming months as part of the authority’s plans to integrate the public transport system. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director said, “The futuristically-designed, heat resistant crescent-shaped shelters have a contemporary metallic finish with sliding doors.

The ultramodern bus shelters have a range of facilities such as ATMs and vending machines for newspapers, snacks and soft drinks. Further, garbage will be collected in three recycling units outside the shelters for paper, glass and metal.”

Additionally, a ticket vending machine will also be built near the stops when the electronic system is fully introduced in the coming years.

“A new system we are introducing aims at offering a huge solution to the traffic problems and this will ensure that the buses arrive on time,” said Al Mulla. He also added that soon two local orders will be passed which will allow legal action against people who board the buses but do not pay and for people who damage public facilities. “Buses will be monitored by cameras and everything will be recorded,” he added. Engineer Mehdi Ali, Director of Public Transport said the shelters will be inspected daily for damages.

Some 170 new public transport buses, including 125 double decker buses, will be introduced in the city next year. In 2008, international bus services will be operated via Dubai, to destinations like Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan followed by Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt and Syria, in 2009.

• UAE