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Second Bus Route in Sharjah May Be Launched Next Week
SHARJAH — Delayed approval of bus stops and installation of bus stop signs have delayed the launch of the much-awaited second bus route in Sharjah.
An official of the KGL-PTS, the Kuwaiti company that manages the fleet of buses for Sharjah Public Transport Company, said all formalities had been completed for the launch except the infrastructure works. “We are ready to start as soon as the Sharjah Municipality instals the bus stop signs.
“This was to be done by August end or September, but due to the holidays, the work has been delayed,” Fahd Al Awadi, general manager of KGL-PTS, told Khaleej Times on Monday.He, however, added Route number 8, starting from Al Ittihad Terminal to Al Nahda Terminal, is expected to be launched by next week, starting with six buses.
“We are aware that people are eagerly awaiting the launch of this route, but a comprehensive network has to be built before the buses start plying.”
He also said the response to the currently operating Route 14 from Al Sharq Terminal to Sharjah Airport, was phenomenal. “The buses are fully packed and people are fully using this service,” he said.
“And for this reason, 16 new, bigger buses have been ordered. Some of them will be launched on new routes while others will replace the smaller buses on Route 14.”
Al Awadi said the SPTC is currently working on reducing the distance between the bus stops. “This is being done according to international standards. However, the actual distance depends on the length of the road, although we are suggesting that it be 300-400 metres,” he explained.
“The distance is being reconsidered so that people have a lesser waiting time.”
Commuters expressed disappointment over the delay in the launch of the routes. “I have been a Sharjah resident for over 10 years, and I think that among the best decisions by the Sharjah government was starting the public transport system,” said Muhib Mohammed.
“The buses are already a popular mode of transport among the residents, but delays on the other routes mean that people will still have to spend a lot on taxis,” said Mariam Shah, another commuter.
The SPTC had earlier announced that 390 air-conditioned bus shelters were also being planned for the emirate, besides a dedicated bus lane.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
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