Paid fare structure and payment system to be effective from March 1, 2009
Acting on the directive of the Abu Dhabi Government, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport (DoT) today announced that the free bus transport facility in Abu Dhabi will be extended for another two months (January and February 2009), in response to people’s request for extension of free travel for some more time.
DoT will now implement the paid fare structure for bus service in Abu Dhabi City from March 1, 2009.
Addressing a press conference, Mr. Saeed Al Hameli, General Manager – Bus Office, DoT, said: “We are encouraged by the unending support of the Abu Dhabi Government which has always made people’s comfort its top priority. In response to numerous requests from bus service users for extension of the free service through calls on 80055555, Department of Transport has decided to extend the free bus transport service in the island of Abu Dhabi by further two months.”
“We are committed to our promise of establishing a most modern bus transport system in Abu Dhabi, with a focus on comfort, safety and affordability. This forms part of the overall plan to enhance the quality of life in the emirate,” added Al Hameli.
The announcement comes in the wake of the addition of two new arterial routes to the public bus network last week by DoT, taking the total number to nine routes.
“We are delighted to say that the public response to the bus service has been overwhelmingly positive, ever since we introduced the complimentary service on June 25, 2008,” said Al Hameli. “Cutting across social and economic lines, the passengers have hailed our service for quality, comfort and punctuality.”
Mr. Al Hameli urged the media and members of the public to provide their inputs and feedback, as DoT looks on them as partners in shaping the new transport system and raising public awareness about the benefits of using public transport.
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 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.
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