Dubai's 'mall-like' bus stations now 77% complete

Dubai - Construction work on these model stations is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

A Staff Reporter

Published: Sat 15 Aug 2020, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Sun 16 Aug 2020, 9:45 PM

Dubai's new modern, 'mall-like' bus stations in Oud Metha and Satwa are now 77 per cent complete, the emirate's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Saturday. Construction work on these model stations is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
Announced in September last year, these new stations will be different from the typical pick-up, drop-off spots commuters are used to. At these hubs, there will be retail outlets, service points and even offices.
Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said: "The construction of stations for public bus riders complements RTA's efforts to upgrade public transport infrastructure and encourage people to use public transit means in their daily movement. The new stations boast a unique design that blends innovative engineering designs with new concepts of public transport."
The stations' well-thought-out architecture is also eco-friendly and caters to the needs of people of determination, Al Tayer said during a virtual inspection of the infrastructure.
"The role of the new stations goes beyond the prevailing concept of commuting passengers to encompass the offering of integrated services, such as retail outlets, service points, offices and others."

Oud Metha Station

Spanning a ground area of 9,640 square metres, the Oud Metha station is situated in a densely populated neighbourhood near the Oud Metha Metro station, a number of schools, community clubs and business centres. It serves several bus routes, including those from Dubai Academic City and the International City.
Comprising a ground floor, three levels and rooftop parking, the station features a design integrated with the public transport means in the area. It has parking areas for buses, taxis and private vehicles. Works have now been completed in its foundations and concrete skeleton.
Once up and running, it is expected to accommodate up to 10,000 riders.
The station also has air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned shelters; public rest areas fitted with prayer rooms for men and women; staff offices; public toilets; a child corner; self-service kiosks; nol card machines; bus information display panels; customers happiness' index; ATMs; and refreshment and snacks vending machines.

Al Satwa Station

The new Al Satwa station spans a total area of 11,912 square metres, with a ground floor, one other floor and rooftop parking. It can accommodate 7,800 passengers per day, which can be expanded to take in 15,000 passengers per day in the future.
Its contractor has completed works in the foundations, landfill, and the concrete skeleton.
The design of the station also complements the use of public transit means in the area with parking spaces for buses, taxis and private vehicles. Besides a pick-up and drop-off point and several parking slots, it also has bicycle racks.
There will be public rest areas fitted with prayer rooms; staff offices; public toilets; and investment areas. The station will also host self-service kiosks, nol card machines, bus information display panels, customers happiness' index, ATMs, and refreshment and snacks vending machines.

17 stations

The RTA is currently constructing a total of 17 public bus stations to serve visitors of the Expo. They include seven permanent stations in Al Jafiliya; Al Ghubaiba; Etisalat Station in Al Qusais; Union Station in Deira; Business Bay 2; Al Baraha; and Ibn Battuta.
Four temporary stations will be constructed in Dubai Silicon Oasis; International City; Business Bay 1; and Jumeirah Palm.
Additionally, RTA will construct six bus stops at Meydan, Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, Al Jaddaf, Dubai Maritime City and Dubai Mall. After the Expo, the stations will be integrated into the Dubai public bus network.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

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