The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai, in its efforts to curb the traffic congestion and augment the easy flow of traffic across the city, issued amendments to various public transport services in Dubai. The directives were conveyed by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Executive Director and Chairman of Board of Directors of the RTA to enhance the already existing public transport facilities with the aim of advancing the system while keeping it economical.
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer was accompanied by Abdul Aziz Malek, Director of Public Transport Department; Hamad Bou Shab, Assistant Director of Public Transport Department; Abdulsalam Mahmoud Abdullah, Head of Finance and Administration at the Public Transport Department; Ahmad Mohammed Alhumadi, Acting Head of Operations at the Public Transport Department, in addition to a group of consultants specialised in public transport.
Following the visit, several directives were issued, aimed at speeding up the works on public transport projects in the emirate. Al Tayer stressed on the importance of formulating designs for the setting up of a bus terminal in Al Ghubaiba terminal in Bur Dubai within a month, especially for buses commuting outside the UAE. Al Tayer also issued directions for the installation of electronic systems for issuing smart cards and tickets to save time and effort.
In the Gold Souk terminal in Deira, Al Tayer ordered the installation of an additional platform to accommodate three more buses, in addition to improving the terminal’s lighting system and installing an electronic display to provide information on bus routes and timing. He also suggested that an electronic system be implemented at the terminal to replace traditional methods of documentation and also proposed the installation of security cameras in the terminal.
Al Tayer’s final visit was to the Al Aweer bus terminal where he stressed on the need to finalise plans on the construction of the main terminal, which comprises the management building, multifunctional hall, maintenance workshop, main store, diesel station, a centre for training drivers and facilities for accommodation of the drivers. It will accommodate 450 additional buses, as well as their parking, and the entire project will be ready according to schedule. The first phase of the terminal was completed in December 2003 and it consisted of the main maintenance workshop, parking for 300 cars, fuel stations and washing station for buses.
