Monday, May 3, 2004

Additional stops were introduced on bus route 5X operating between Al Sabkha bus stand and Karama for the convenience of passengers.

The announcement comes after a barrage of suggestions from public transport users urging Dubai Municipality to increase the number of bus routes and stops.

Abdul Aziz Malik, director of the Municipality's Public Transport Department, said: "Effective from May 1, the bus from Deira Post Office to Karama will make stops at Memorial Plaza, Qatar Consulate, Clock Tower, Lulu Supermarket and Karama Souq.

"The bus on its route from Karama to Deira Post Office will stop at Karama Souq, Lulu Supermarket, Maktoum Road, the Qatar Consulate, Union Square and Al Sabkha abra station.

"These stops were introduced following suggestions from passengers. The demand for new stops was so overwhelming that we wanted to introduce the changes at the earliest."

Passenger reaction was quick.

Ali from India said in the past there were insufficient bus stops and he had to walk quite a distance after alighting the bus to his workplace near the Clock Tower Roundabout.

"Now the bus drops me very close to the restaurant where I work," said Ali.

Amin, another Dubai resident, said the new stops and increased frequency will encourage more people to use public buses.

Malik said when the new service was planned, suggestions from passengers were given paramount importance.

"This route was started in January and its frequency was suitably increased to reduce the waiting time for passengers. Initially the bus took 40 minutes to travel the route but now it takes just 20 minutes. We will continue to reduce journey times. The fare at Dh1.50 is also extremely competitive," he added.

Gulf News