Bus stations plan approved

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved plans for three public transport bus stations to be built at Karama, Al Quoz and Satwa.

The innovative designs will offer a range of facilities and services to bus commuters including commercial outlets and restaurants.

"The construction of public transport bus stations complements the Roads and Transport Authority's efforts to upgrade the infrastructure and encourage citizens, residents and tourists to use mass transit modes in their daily travels," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman and Executive Director RTA. "The design of these stations will add another aesthetic dimension to Dubai and provide a new concept in mass transit modes.

"The role of these stations will not be restricted to providing passenger transport services but will go beyond that to provide comprehensive services. The stations will look like mini-commercial centres comprising several outlets, restaurants and offices. Footbridges and subways will ease passenger movement to and from the stations. The basement will be used as parking lot and the mezzanine floor will be allotted to commercial and service outlets. The ground floor will house passenger facilities and bus operations and the upper levels will be available for offices and shops."

Al Tayer said the Satwa station will have a capacity of 625 passengers per hour and the boarding and alighting area would be able to accommodate 10 buses. The parking area would hold 307 vehicles and there would be a taxi rank with space for 12 cars. There will be 5,166 sqm of space for offices and shops.

The Al Quoz station would be able to handle 525 passengers per hour and will have room for eight buses. There will be parking space for 208 vehicles and a 12-car taxi rank plus 3,030 sqm of offices and shops.

"The Karama station will be designated for intercity transport," added Al Tayer. "It will have a capacity of 110 passengers per hour and the loading and unloading area will accommodate five buses at a time." 

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