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Passenger rush on Sharjah Route 14

However, the authorities concerned said that they have already taken stock of the situation and are planning remedial measures, though this may mean delay in the launch of other planned routes.

Fahd Al Awadi, General Manager of Kuwaiti company KGL that is managing the fleet for Sharjah Public Transport Corporation, said the response to the route had been overwhelming. “We are working towards making Route 14 better by increasing the number of buses and deploying longer buses,” he said, adding that the number of buses on this route would be increased to 56 by August.

Maximum capacity

“We might have to postpone the launch of two more routes that were due to be launched this month so that we can run Route 14 to its maximum capacity,” he explained.

The other two routes are expected to be launched in October. He also said that though the bus drivers were aware that overcrowding was a major issue, they are not authorised to take action or refuse any passenger. The 11 buses running on the route have a seating capacity for 33. However, passengers say that most of the time they do not get a seat. Women suffer the most saying that they are sandwiched between men due to the fewer number of seats allocated to women. “Most of the time, I have to stand and travel to my destination since there are not enough seats,” says Mohammed Farooq, an insurance agent. For Mary H., the main concern is the few number of seats for women.

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