2 Dubai bus routes launched to meet rising demand

Two bus routes have been launched, while a third has been rerouted to link metro stations from March 1 to meet rising demand by commuters, the Roads and Transport Agency (RTA) said on Friday.

Route F29, which is a metro feeder route, starts from the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station and heads towards the Media Production Zone via the Motor City Autodrome and the Dubai Sports City (DSC). It will pass Lulu Supermarket at Al Barsha, Dubai American Academy, Avenue Design, Service Staffs Clinic at Al Quoz, Motor City Spinneys, Motor City Dubai Autodrome and the Dubai Investment Park.

It connects a number of stops inside DSC including the head office of the International Cricket Council, Victory Heights East Gate, Dubai Cricket Stadium, Golf Tower, and Victory Heights West Gate.

DSC General Manager (Sports Business), Maqbul Dudhia, said: “The fact the service is set to get underway when we are hosting such a great day of sport on Saturday is really great news as it ensures that the action is available to as many people as possible. Entry to both events — the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup final and the finals of the Dubai Schools Cup — is free, so the cost of a great day out experiencing great sport in world-class facilities is hopefully within the range of everyone.”

DSC President Khalid Al Zarooni said: “The RTA’s decision to launch its new bus route confirms the progress we have made and will continue to make over the coming months and we look forward to welcoming many more people to DSC, thanks to the new means for them to get to us.”

The second route 367 begins at Etisalat Metro Station towards the International City via Mirdif City Centre. It will move through communities including Al Muhaisna Intersection 1, Islamic Learning and Training School at Al Mizher, Al Muhaisna 1B, Algiers Street, Dubai Modern School at Al Muhaisna, Mirdif Private School, Imam Abu Hanifa Mosque, Mirdif City Centre, Mirdif Gate Central, Al Manama Street 4 and the Civil Defence at the International City.

The Director of Planning and Business Development, RTA Public Transport Agency, Essa Al Hashemi, said: “The launch of the first two routes in 2014 comes as a quick response to the needs of mass transit network users and is in keeping with the growing economy of Dubai.”

Existing route 29 has been changed and will ply from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Business Bay Metro Station via Al Fahidi Metro Station, Burjuman Metro Station, Al Karama Metro Station, Al Jafliya Metro Station (seaside), Dubai World Trade Centre Hotel, Dubai Mall, Radisson Blue Hotel at Dubai Downtown, Burj View Central Tower, Southern Side Tower, Qamar Uddin and East Height Towers at G Gate of the Business Bay.

Al Hashemi said the RTA is keen to improve the public transport network to keep pace with the ongoing urban and demographic expansion in Dubai. More bus routes will attract travellers and visitors to Dubai to opt for public transport which also link to metro hubs .

He said the increasing use of public transport will reduce snarls, boost traffic safety level, and reduce emissions from vehicles.

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