Emirate's public transportation system is facing a challenge: while its popularity has soared among low-income passengers, it has failed to attract affluent customers.
Fareeha Mahdi, an accountant, had to take a cab after waiting for a bus at a Bur Dubai station in the sweltering heat. "I planned to take a bus to save money, but had to take a cab because I couldn't wait in the sun."
A number of flaws exist in the system, she said, such as a lack of bus shelters, few express lanes and a dearth of information about routes and bus schedules, all of which contribute to fewer people using the system.
Her point was supported by Sanjay R., a bank officer, who said he tried public transport before getting a driving licence but found it difficult to commute, especially in the summer. "I did not want to get a car. But I had to buy one because travelling by bus in this city is considered below one's status. It is a general conception that only labourers travel on buses in Dubai."
Many others expressed similar views, repeating the idea that travelling by bus lowers their self-esteem.
Many said it takes much longer to reach their destinations and that only those who have no other option use buses.
Abdul Aziz Abdullah Malik, director of the Public Transport Department, wants to dispel this notion. "Our buses are of a high standard. They are well-maintained, clean, air-conditioned and go to almost every nook and corner of Dubai."
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the image of public transportation needs to be improved to wean affluent residents off their cars.
"We are in the process of launching a campaign to show people the benefits of using public transportation. We will send out more brochures, schedules and route maps, build more shelters at bus stops and increase the number of express service routes.
"I know people, especially business people and those in top positions, prefer to save time rather than money. We urge them to use public transportation, as it is economical, efficient, safe and environmentally friendly.
"This helps reduce traffic congestion as one bus helps keep at least 20 cars off the road because it carries 50 passengers. People should try it first to have a first-hand experience. They have to change their attitude as there is nothing wrong with travelling in public buses."
The department is operating express services on at least five routes with only three to four stops to reduce time between destinations, he said.
"We are reaching out to residential areas and across 80 per cent of Dubai. The maximum distance to a bus stop from any residential and commercial area is 450 metres."
Although the first public bus began operating on Dubai roads in 1968 with four minibuses on two routes, the formal public transportation service started in 1991 with more than 50 buses.
A road link for travellers in Dubai
* Information about schedules, routes and fares can be obtained by calling toll free 8004848, or from the website www.dubaipublictransport.ae
* Fares are collected on board through computerised fare collection equipment.
* There is a flat fare of Dh1.5 on at least 12 routes and Dh1.5 to Dh4.5 on more than 50 routes.
* The maximum fare is Dh7 on two routes from Dubai to Hatta and Faqa.
* A monthly pass for unlimited travel within the city area of Dubai costs Dh90 while students can ride unlimited with a discounted pass of Dh60 per month.
Gulf News
