Dubai, 16 Mar. 2005 (WAM)-- Dubai Municipality is to build a Dh20 million international bus terminal, following a decision to offer a public bus service to other GCC countries.

?We are investing Dh20 million in the international bus terminal which will be built near the existing Al Ghubaibah bus and taxi stand in Bur Dubai,? said Eisa Al Dosari, Assistant Director, Public Transport Department.

He said the new terminal would cater to the increasing demand for public transport.

?It will not only serve the inter-emirate bus service but also bus services to other GCC countries, which is also to be started soon,? he told Gulf News daily.

Al Dosari said the public transport department was working to implement a comprehensive plan to provide a cheap public transport service for people travelling within Dubai, from Dubai to other emirates within the UAE, and from Dubai to GCC countries.

?We may extend this service to other Arab countries in the region in future. However, currently we have great demand for cheaper public transport to other emirates and to neighbouring countries,? he said.

He said the terminal, which is in the design stage, will be built to international standards.

The terminal will be ready in a couple of years and will be fully air-conditioned and comprise a ground floor and first floor with underground parking.

There will be a reception and waiting area for passengers, in addition to offices for transport companies, restaurants, cafeterias and car washing facilities.

Al Dosari said they were also set to operate public buses from Dubai to Sharjah and Ajman.

?We are just waiting for the final word from Sharjah Transport Authority, as we already have decided routes as well. It will start any time, as soon as both the authorities meet all the formalities,? he said.

Buses will operate from Deira Bus Stand to Rolla Taxi Stand.

There will be two routes but the starting and finishing points will the same. Fares for the new service will be Dh5 each way.

He said that within a couple of years, all the emirates would be linked through a public bus service.