More people using public buses in Sharjah

The Sharjah Public Transport Corporation has seen a significant rise in the number of passengers commuting in buses in the Eastern and Central regions of the emirate in the first half of the year.

Yusuf Al Hammadi, Manager of the Sharjah Transport Office in the Eastern and Central regions, said most of the passengers commuted on bus route No 116 that connects Khorfakkan with Al Jubeil bus station, crossing the Emirate of Fujairah, Kalba, Masafi, Al Dhaid and the Sharjah International Airport.

“As many as 24,376 passengers commuted in the first six months of the year, compared to 21,775 over the same period in 2011.”

Indicating that only 71 tickets were issued to cabbies in the first half of the year, Al Hammadi said, Sharjah Transport inspectors have nabbed 54 illegal taxi operators and the Sharjah Transport Office at the Eastern and Central regions has received complaints against 11 cabbies.

Urging the public to be more cautious about unidentified illegal taxis, he said: “We do provide affordable and convenient public shuttle service and although some people may think they are saving money, they do not realise they are seriously risking their lives and money by taking a lift from an unknown person in violation of set rules and regulations.’’

ahmedshabaan@khaleejtimes.com