ABU DHABI // Bus passengers will have to wait to learn the cost of riding the bus in the new year after the Department of Transport scrapped an announcement detailing new fares.
However, Saeed al Hameli, general manager of buses for the DoT, said customers would still have to start paying from Jan 1. He said the department had added some details to its plans that required approval from the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
In addition to the tariff, the department will announce the details of a bus-pass programme for passengers.
The bus service for the island, which has been free since its introduction in June, has been popular. About 50,000 people use buses daily, according to DoT surveys.
Passengers interviewed on a bus yesterday were anxious to know how much they would have to pay for the service. "People take the bus just because it is free now," said Li Jai, 34. "If they charge more than one dirham, I think no one will use the bus."
With the addition of two routes on Monday, there are nine bus routes on Abu Dhabi island.
By the end of next year there will be about 750 buses, compared with about 270 now. By 2010, the number will reach 1,360.
mchung@thenational.ae
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: CVT
Power: 170bhp
Torque: 220Nm
Price: Dh98,900
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Look north
BBC business reporters, like a new raft of government officials, are being removed from the national and international hub of London and surely the quality of their work must suffer.
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
The biog:
From: Wimbledon, London, UK
Education: Medical doctor
Hobbies: Travelling, meeting new people and cultures
Favourite animals: All of them
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
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COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Company%20Profile
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Women & Power: A Manifesto
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