His Highness, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved the first phase of development of bus sheltersin the Emirate. The project is in-line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and is part of the efforts being exerted by the Sharjah Urban Planning Council to develop various service projects to improve the welfare of the residents and the level of infrastructure in the Emirate.
The Sharjah Urban Planning Council, in collaboration with governmental bodies such as the Sharjah Road and Transport Authority and Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, has embarked on a development project for the bus stops, with the aim to provide the best possible service and convenience for public transport users in the Emirate.
The SUPC’s plan includes 172 locations designated as bus stops in the City of Sharjah, out of which 28 locations have been selected for the first phase of the project following an SRTA-approved six-month study. The study identified the most crowded areas frequented by public transport users and covered 176,000 passengers at the time of the study.
Commemorating the occasion, Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Urban Planning Council, said: "SUPC is constantly striving to design plans and strategies in support of projects that provide the best services to the public in the Emirate of Sharjah – citizens, residents and tourists alike. These efforts help improve the welfare of the existing residents and that of future generations. We aim to establish a complete and sustainable infrastructure that boosts the appeal of the Emirate as a desirable place to live in, one that provides facilities in accordance with the highest international standards."
HE Eng Khalid Mohammed Al Ali, Secretary General of the Sharjah Urban Planning Council, also stated that the project aims to improve the efficiency of the services rendered to the public in the Emirate and to encourage members of the community to use public transport to promote a sustainable environment and a more comprehensive infrastructure.
Furthermore, he added that commuters would soon be able to enjoy air-conditioned bus stop shelters with all the necessary amenities such as an electronic bulletin board that displays all information related to bus service timetables and routes.
HE Al Ali added: "The design features a simple yet highly functional, efficient and flexible structure. Each shelter was designed taking into account the needs and capacity of each location. All shelters will be provided with solar energy panels for electricity production, in collaboration with SEWA, and also in compliance with the sustainability standards that SUPC is committed to upholding in all its current projects in the Emirate of Sharjah".