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May 12 2011

Sharjah Transport runs 65,300 bus trips in first quarter

By Ahmed Shaaban SHARJAH -- As Sharjah Transport keeps developing its network, launching more public bus routes and running extra vehicles, the public shuttle service has become a favourable option for commuters across the emirate.

According to a top official, Sharjah Transport has run 65,300 bus trips in the first quarter of the year.

"As many as 1,387,000 passengers from all segments of society made use of the public transport in the first three months of the year," said Assistant Director General of Sharjah Transport, Rahama Al Shamsi.

The corporation is now operating a big fleet of 224 public buses on the 21 city and intercity routes. "The buses in service are up to international standards in terms of safety and convenience; they are all fully air-conditioned, with TV screens and separate sections for families, ladies and special needs commuters," he said.

Rabaa Al Marzouqi, Head of Public Transport Franchise Section, said bus routes No14, 88 and 3 have topped all other routes in terms of the number of commuters transported. Explaining, Marzouqi said that bus No14, which starts from Al Sharqiya Station and ends at the Sharjah International Airport, came first with 45 per cent of commuters. "The 38km route covers most of Sharjah city." Attracting 23 per cent of commuters in the emirate, bus No 88 which connects Al Rolla Square with Al Sajaa area, came second. "Bus route No3, which connects Al Rolla with the Fifth Industrial area or National Paints, came third with 15 per cent," she said.

Sayer e-cards

Meanwhile, 829 people have used the Sayer pre-paid e-card since its launch in June 2010 until March 31. The smart electronic card, launched in collaboration with KGL Kuwaiti-based Company, has significantly attracted more commuters to public transport in the emirate.

"The e-card service, not only eases the payment process, but also helps save time, effort, and even money, particularly with several discounts offered on the tariff," she said. Marzouqi added that the e-card can be recharged with a minimum Dh4.50 and up to Dh180. "Sales kiosks function at Al Etihad and Al Jubail stations, and more sales stalls will be opened soon."

The Sayer rechargeable card comes with a pre-loaded amount and the trip tariff gets automatically deducted when the card is inserted in the ticket machine in any public bus. The ticket is then issued with details of the amount and the available balance. The receipt must be kept till the end of the journey for the inspection purpose, and the serial number which appears on the card must be saved for reporting purpose in case of loss.

Dh5-million bonus

Meanwhile, Sharjah Transport has approved a Dh5-million bonus to be paid to owners of old cabs on an annual basis. "The Dh5 million bonus will be paid to 5,000 cab owners, at Dh1,000 each," Director-General of Sharjah Transport Abdullah Al Zari said. Other than the annual bonus paid since 2010, they are also entitled to a monthly compensation if the required documents are submitted.

© Khaleej Times 2011

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