Sharjah Transport provides safe shuttle services

The Sharjah Transport, in response to the public’s needs, is currently working on a number of pioneering plans to boost public shuttle service in the emirate.

Director General of Sharjah Transport, Abdullah Al Zari, in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, said the corporation spares no effort in attending to the needs of all segments of society. “We are fully dedicated to providing the most convenient, safe and developed shuttle service and decreasing traffic congestions and accidents.”

What are the most recent 
developments?

The Sharjah Transport recently built 800 bus stops covering all parts of the emirate at a cost of Dh33 million. Shades are to be soon installed at all stops to guard the passengers from the sweltering heat. Eight sub-bus stations, worth Dh55 million, are to be constructed by the fourth quarter of this year in line with the highest international standards. These will be built at Al Taawun, Khorfakkan, Muweilah, 5^th Industrial Area, Wasit, Al Leila, Al Sajaa and Al Rifaa.

Has the bus network increased in other areas?

The Sharjah Transport has introduced new stops all along the bus routes connecting Sharjah city with other cities across the country. Of these is the Sharjah International Airport stop on bus route no 116 for the benefit of the passengers of the eastern and central regions, and the Emirate of Fujairah. Another stop has been added at the Hamriya area to bus route no 115, which connects Sharjah city with the cities of Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.

What impact will the changes have at Al Jubail bus station?

The major bus station, located by the fish market, has gone through comprehensive maintenance works to boost the operational capacity of the station and provide a more convenient place for passengers in view of the growing development of the transport sector in the emirate. The station has been given a facelift whereby an ATM of the Sharjah Islamic Bank has been installed. The Sharjah Awqaf Department has further undertaken the installation of a drinking water unit, as well as some other works spanning paintings, and shading the whole station for better coverage in summer and winter.

What is the current status of Sharjah Transport’s taxi 
services?

The corporation has developed its city taxi crew with 700 new vehicles, worth Dh47 million, including 400 Toyota Camrys, 200 Nissan Altimas, and 100 Hyundai Sonatas. We have also added 10 more vehicles worth Dh500,000 to our 46-vehicle cab crew in the eastern and central regions for the service of people of Khorfakkan and Kalba areas. As such, the Sharjah Transport is now running a cab fleet of 5,000 vehicles compared to 3,800 in 2010. The average cab trips have now hit 350,000 on a daily basis.

What about training for drivers?

The Sharjah Transport is fully dedicated to provide its staff drivers with the best training in line with the international standards. We organised 971 training courses in 2011 against 924 in 2010. The training covers all aspects of traffic awareness, such as how to best move from one lane to another, reverse, turn right or left, and to stop without blocking traffic flow. They are also trained never to brake suddenly. Safety awareness, blocking back doors to safeguard children, as well as helping customers and dealing with them decently also form part of the training.

What are the services recently adopted?

The years 2011 and 2012 have seen the launch of many significant services for the benefit of the public under the strategic plans of the corporation. Rihlaty or ‘My Trip’ is one of these. The service, the first of its kind in the Middle East, is available on all bus routes whereby passengers may inquire about any of the 800 bus stops across the city.

Meanwhile, the nearly 30 to 40 minute regular wait for a taxi has significantly dropped to average five to 10 minutes thanks to the GPRS and GPS operated service. The Sharjah Transport is also operating city taxis driven by women cabbies.

What about performance 
enhancement?

The Sharjah Transport, believing in the importance of encouraging performance, has honoured many employees. The corporation encourages drivers’ good conduct to curb traffic violations and complaints, and boost customer satisfaction. The corporation has adopted an incentive scheme worth Dh100,000. As per the Shukran (thanks) programme, drivers of the four franchise companies operating in the city - Sharjah, Emirates, Etihad and Citi Cab - are rewarded financially and spiritually for good behaviour.

Ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com