The trademark red buses of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have started plying between Dubai and Sharjah, marking the start of the much-awaited bus service between the two emirates.

Commuters have welcomed the RTA move, saying the bus service will provide the missing transportation link between the emirates.

"A majority of the people working in Dubai reside in Sharjah. The RTA buses were very much needed on this route," said Zakria Minhas, a blue-collar worker, waiting for the bus at the Rolla bus station.

Said Maya S, an executive secretary: "The fare for the travel is reasonable and the seats are spacious and comfortable. I think it will prove to be quite popular with travellers on this route."

She added: "Other than the usual morning traffic snarls, the timings of the buses are regular, and the travel is smooth and comfortable."



M. Humaid, another resident of Sharjah said the buses would provide a "luxurious" way of travelling to his destination (Dubai).

According to an official of the Inter-City Transport Department at the Public Transport Agency of the RTA, the bus number E302 starts from the main station in Deira or Bur Dubai. It has a sub-station at Al Khaleej, Dubai Cinema, and also stops at Al Mulla Plaza, with the final destination at Rolla Square station.

"Another route of the bus is from Deira with sub-stations at Gold Centre, Karama and Satwa," the official said. While the starting time of the bus is 6.50am, a bus departs from the station every 45 minutes. The service continues until 12am.

"Initially, 92 buses with a capacity of 30 passengers will ply on these routes," the official said, adding that the Inter-City Transport fleet consists of 111 medium-size air-conditioned buses which are maintained and supervised by qualified personnel.
"These buses will also connect the other emirates, including Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi etc, ” he added.