SRTA launches proactive plan for 5600 trips during Eid
Engineer Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, the head of the SRTA, highlighted the importance of being well-prepared during holidays. He noted that during the Eid al-Adha holiday in 2025, which runs from June 5 to 8, there will be a noticeable rise in public transport users. To handle this, the SRTA has made plans to operate 180 buses on various routes, aiming to complete around 5,600 trips over the four days. During peak times, buses will come every 5 minutes instead of the usual 45-minute wait. This means shorter waiting times and more convenience for everyone traveling.
The authority is committed to making travel easy for people visiting family or exploring popular destinations, both within the emirate and outside it. They are also increasing staff at busy bus stations, especially the Jubail Bus Station, which will be open from early morning until late at night to accommodate the larger number of passengers expected during this busy holiday.
Regular comprehensive trips
The Authority has improved bus services in Sharjah City for the Eid holiday, making travel easier for everyone. They are running a total of 1,144 bus trips each day across 12 different routes, using 104 buses that connect to 543 stops around the city.
Al-Othmani pointed out that these efforts are part of a plan to create a well-rounded public transport system that meets the growing need for travel during busy times like holidays. He noted that Route 22 will not be in service during the Eid holiday because the Souq Al Haraj market is closed. To make things easier for passengers, they have made some changes, including quicker arrival times and more ticket sales points at bus stations and inside buses, to minimize delays and crowding.
To manage passenger flow, especially at the Jubail station, the teams have stepped up their preparations. They have increased the number of staff on duty and are providing the necessary support to ensure smooth operations. They are also allowing people to book bus tickets in advance and are keeping a close eye on how things are running to maintain a high level of service.
Maritime transport
During the Eid Al Adha holiday, there will be a special boat service operating between Sharjah and Dubai. Abdul Aziz Al Jarwan, who is in charge of transport at the local authority, announced that there will be four daily trips. These boats will leave from the Aquarium Station in Sharjah and arrive at Al Ghubaiba Station in Dubai, working together with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority.
The trips will run from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a boat leaving every two hours. Each journey will take about 35 minutes. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before their departure to ensure a smooth boarding process. This service is designed to provide more transportation options for everyone and help connect different types of transport.
Promoting tourism
Al Jarwan shared that the Authority is working closely with the Omani transport company, Mwasalat, to run international route 203. This route connects Sharjah with Muscat, the capital of Oman, and offers two flights each day. This service is expected to encourage tourism between the two countries, especially during the Eid holidays. Passengers can board at Jubail station and travel to Al Athaiba station, making stops along the way. Tickets can be purchased online through Mwasalat Oman's website or at their service points.
Public engagement
Al Jarwan mentioned that during the Eid holiday, a special call center will be available 24 hours a day to help people book taxis. This includes different types of vehicles like regular taxis, family-sized cars, options for women, vehicles for those with special needs, and electric cars. You can make reservations by phone, through a smartphone app, or by visiting a website.
The call center keeps an eye on all the bookings to make sure taxis arrive as fast as possible. It also welcomes feedback from the public regarding bus and taxi services, helps with reports of lost bags, and answers questions about the services offered across the emirate, including Sharjah City and other regions. He highlighted that the call center plays a vital role in connecting with the community, gathering and analyzing feedback to improve services in the future.
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