DoT plan to improve capital’s bus service

ABU DHABI // A five-year plan has been drawn up to deal with concerns about Abu Dhabi’s public transport system.

The Department of Transport plan will aim to address the state of the city’s air-conditioned bus shelters, malfunctioning payment machines, and long queues for buses.

Saeed Al Hameli, general manager of the DoT’s bus office, said residents could expect to see a significant increase in bus capacity and more routes.

He said the full details of plan would be revealed next month.

For years commuters have complained of dirty and poorly maintained bus shelters, many with no power and rubbish dumped inside them.

Each shelter is supposed to be temperature controlled at between 22°C and 24°C, and be able to accommodate eight people seated, eight standing, and one in a wheelchair.

“The DoT is closely collaborating with the Department of Municipal Affairs to provide high quality maintenance for bus shelters, according to the best international standards,” Mr Al Hameli said.

“A plan has been developed to distribute the work between the two entities. The DoT will be responsible for existing shelters, while DMA will look after the new bus shelters.”

In March, the DoT launched the Hafilat smart system to ensure smooth, quick fare collection and reduce congestion while getting on and off the buses. Coin boxes on buses were removed on October 11, and replaced by the Hafilat smartcards.

While many commuters found it more convenient than carrying cash, some said the payment machines were not working properly.

“What we’re dealing with is a relatively new technology and the machines are quite sensitive,” Mr Al Hameli said. “We’re now working on raising awareness on the proper use of these machines.”

A key component of the Sustainable Transport Master Plan, he said, was the provision of a comprehensive and integrated public transport system that provided regular and reliable services to residents and visitors to the emirate.

“There are challenges, mainly due to the rapid pace of urbanisation,” he said.

“But there are continuous efforts by the DoT to encourage more and more people to use public transport. This involves building the infrastructure required and developing an accessible, reliable, safe and comfortable bus system.”

Abu Dhabi operates 568 buses on 124 routes. The number of passengers has increased from about 3,000 a day in 2007 to more than 100,000 this year.

rruiz@thenational.ae