Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport (DoT) has added two new arterial routes to the public bus network, taking the total number to nine routes, as the Department moves to the next phase of the implementation of its public transport network.
The new routes are 34 and 52 and they will be operational from Monday, December 22.
Route 34 will link Breakwater Area to Sharia Court Area starting from Marina Mall, Emirates Palace Hotel via Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, through Muroor Road, Carrefour ending at Sharia Court terminal. The service will operate from 6:00 am to midnight.
Route 54 will link Tourist Club Area to Sharia Court Area starting from City terminal via 13 Street, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, Central Bus Station, Airport Road and Carrefour, ending at Sharia Court terminal. The service will operate from 6:00 am to midnight.
With the launch of the new routes, bus frequency on Airport Road and Muroor Road will be increased to every seven minutes. The two routes will also increase bus usage by over 30 per cent.
While launching the new routes, Mr. Saeed Al Hameli, General Manager, Bus Office, Department of Transport, revealed that DoT will unveil its fare structure and advanced access card system at a press conference on December 23.
“DoT is now ready to move to the next stage of the implementation of the bus system. We are delighted to introduce two new routes that pass through several major landmarks of Abu Dhabi,” said Mr. Al Hameli.
Mr. Al Hameli urged the media to provide their inputs and feedback, as DoT looks at the press fraternity as partners in shaping the new transport system and raising public awareness about the benefits of using public transport.
“The bus service, currently being offered free of charge on an introductory basis on seven routes, has been hailed by all segment of commuters. The people’s feedback has been vital in helping us design new routes and work out a proper fare system. We are firmly committed to our timeline and, as announced earlier, the last day for free travel on our buses will be December 31, 2008,” added Mr. Al Hameli.
Bus commuters can dial toll-free number 800 55555 for inquiries about routes and services as well as for providing their feedback. Timetable booklets can be collected from bus stands.
On June 25, 2008, DoT launched its ambitious two-year programme to overhaul the emirate’s public transportation network and infrastructure in line with ‘Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.’ The department will deploy a fleet of 1,360 high caliber, handicapped-accessible, world-class buses by the end of 2010. On completion of the project, Abu Dhabi will boast one of the most modern bus transport systems, designed along stringent environmental and safety guidelines.
About DoT, Abu Dhabi
The Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi, was set up to plan and manage the emirate’s total transportation modes. Earlier, transport responsibilities were handled by different entities, such as The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Department of Civil Aviation, Department of Municipal Affairs and the Sea Ports Authority.
Department of Transport embraces the entire value chain and ensures coordinated planning in all aspects of transport policy and development. It is putting together a sophisticated transport network that will move people and materials efficiently through the Emirate, in a way that contributes to the quality of life for all residents, businesses and visitors.
The transport policy, addressing roads, rail, ports, mass transportation, air travel and other infrastructure, based on the following objectives:
- Creating and delivering a world-class transport system that supports Abu Dhabi's broader social and economic ambitions, and meets the Emirate's needs for the future.
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Developing a clear and appropriate allocation of responsibilities between the various public and private entities in Abu Dhabi involved in the delivery, supervision and management of transport services.
- Delivering cross-portfolio visibility and effective information sharing between the public and private sectors to ensure transport decisions can support and influence real estate and industrial development in other areas.
- Creating an appropriate structure for the Department of Transport to efficiently and effectively deliver the Emirate's transport vision.
