No more 14-seater buses

There will be no more 14-seater buses on UAE roads in another six months. In an attempt to reduce traffic accidents, UAE Interior Ministry has decided to reduce the number of seats on small buses to nine and revise the speed limits, reported 'Emarat Al Youm'.

All auto factories, dealers and agencies have been informed of the new rule. They have six months to alter 14-seater mini buses. Apart from reduction in number of seats (nine seats will include that of the driver's), seat belt on all seats is made mandatory. Also the speed limit for these buses is revised to 80kmph on inner roads and fixed at 100kmph on highways, whith the speed buffer been reduced to 10kmph from the current 20kmph.

There are an estimated 12,000 14-seater buses in the UAE, which usually shuttles employees within the Emirates. Majority of fatal accidents involve these mini buses, said officials.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has already begun implementation of the new rule. No 14-seater mini buses are been registered in Abu Dhabi. All the other emirates are expected to follow shortly, said an official.

Brigadier Ghaith Hassan Al Za’abi, Director-General of Traffic Coordination,  Ministry of Interior, and chairman of the Coordinating Committee of traffic, said the step was aimed at reducing accidents.

The rule will be published in the 'Official Gazette' shortly.

The rule, however, does not include school buses.

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