Eight routes for Al Ain bus service by year-end

The Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi (DoT) yesterday announced its masterplan for public bus transport in Al Ain at the new city centre bus station.

The masterplan is part of DoT's long-term plan to decrease dependency on private vehicles and reduce road congestion by providing integrated public transport services and enhanced passenger facilities across the emirate.

Eight local Al Ain bus routes will be operational by the end of the year, with a further nine routes planned for launch in 2010, bringing the total to 17.

By the end of 2009, 100 buses will be serving the passengers of Al Ain, each carrying the city's distinctive orange livery, with this number rising to 134 in 2010.

In total, 350 buses will be operational by Q4 2011, ensuring frequent services. The new buses are designed to be accessible for all passengers, including passengers with special needs.

The announcement coincided with the opening of a new bus station for Al Ain.

With seats for 114 passengers, plus an additional 24 seats in a women-only waiting area, the new station offers customer service and up-to-date route and timetable information.

Saeed Al Hameli, General Manager, Public Bus Office, Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi, said: "The department is committed to developing a reliable, comfortable and integrated transport system for people. One year on from the launch of our first buses, we continue to make improvements, with new routes, new facilities and increased service frequency. For the people of Al Ain, this is just the beginning.

"We're making travelling by bus easier, quicker and more accessible – and of course a lot cooler, with the opening of the new bus station. By the end of the year, Al Ain passengers will really notice a difference, and we'll see a lot more of those orange buses all over the city."

Last week also saw the launch of the Al Ain–Abu Dhabi intercity service, running every 30 minutes from 6am to 11pm. Three more intercity routes will be launched in 2010, connecting Al Ain with Abu Dhabi airport, Dubai and Sharjah.

All routes will run every 30 minutes during peak hours in 2009, with planned services to run every 15 minutes during peak periods in 2010. Frequencies will increase to every 10 minutes on key routes by 2011.

Passengers can call the 24-hour, toll free line,

800 55555, for information o routes and timetables.


Speed on Al Ain-Dubai road reduced to 100kph

The speed on Al Ain-Dubai Road has been reduced to 100kph due to maintenance work, according to the Traffic Engineering and Road Safety Section of the Traffic and Patrols Department of Abu Dhabi Police.

Colonel Hussein Ahmed Al Harethi, Director of the section, called on motorists to adhere to the new speed limit, adding that the fixed and mobile radars have been updated with the new speed limit to detect offenders. "Some changes have been also introduced on the Al Ain-Dubai Road, whereby the traffic will be on two directions only without shoulders on both sides."

He urged road users to reduce speed to ensure smooth traffic flow. (Wam)

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