PUBLIC OUTCRY GROWS FOR AC BUS SHELTERS IN BAHRAIN

State of the art bus terminals will be a relief from searing heat, feel passengers

Melvin Mendonca/ DTNN

melvin@dt.bh

Manama 

Long wait for buses under the scorching sun has made passengers to demand for the construction of air-conditioned bus stops and bus terminals in the Kingdom. 

A DT News report published on June 1 had described the struggles of passengers, who were forced to wait for the public buses as they were not following the time schedule strictly.

Pointing out the inconvenience of the passengers, Shihab Manha, a resident in Riffa, said that the entire look of Bahrain could be changed if the authorities constructed AC bus stops in the Kingdom. 

“Construction of state of the art bus stops could enable the authorities to avail the best of latest technology,” he suggested.

“Dubai has already built AC bus stops and it’s convenient for the waiting passengers. It’s not a difficult task for Bahrain to follow the Dubai model. The authorities could display advertisements at the bus stops to raise revenue for the maintenance of AC bus stops,” he said, and added: “Installation of soft drinks vending machines could also help the passengers get the refreshments while waiting for buses.”

“In the coming days, the temperature will go up and it would be a difficult proposition to wait for buses at the bus stop. An air-conditioned bus stop with advanced facilities could reduce the inconvenience for the passengers,” he added.

According to Shihab Manha, installation of digital screens displaying the timings of buses could be an added advantage to passengers. 

Christine Hasan, a Muharraq resident, felt that more people would travel in buses, if the bus stops were protected from harsh weather. She suggested that the authorities could sell advertising space in the AC bus stops to cover the cost of functioning it.

Filipino national Abbodie Maruni Abdullah opined that AC bus stops were the need of the hour as the summer was challenging. 

“In Philippines, one can see AC bus terminals. The summer is worse here compared to my country. The authorities here should think of installing air conditioners at least at the main bus terminals in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” she added.