The best choice
The bus service in the capital will help decrease waiting time for taxis as it is very comfortable and convenient if people are aware of the routes ("Abu Dhabi residents happy with new bus service", Gulf News, July 1). Additionally, it is much more affordable for commuters. Public transport definitely eases traffic congestion and air pollution, and it is a great alternative for residents. One way to encourage the use of public transport is to make private car use more expensive and inconvenient. Introduction of toll gates and paid parking will certainly encourage people to use public transport.
From Ms Jacintha D'Souza
Abu Dhabi
More than a ride
Gulf News's report about the launch of a free bus service in Abu Dhabi came as a big surprise, but finding these buses on Electra Street was even more surprising. The buses looked great and reminded me of my home country. After all, public transport is not only a great means of travel, but also a place for social interaction, especially for those travelling long distances. Additionally, it strengthens the tolerance and respect we have towards each other. I look forward to reduced traffic congestion on the streets of Abu Dhabi.
From Mr Tapan Biswas
Abu Dhabi
Extend routes
I was very happy to read Gulf News's report about the new transport system in Abu Dhabi. It will help considerably in reducing traffic congestion. My suggestion is to extend bus routes to the Musaffah colony and the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD). This way, many people will be able to travel from Abu Dhabi to the industrial areas by using the public buses.
From Mr Santhosh Kumar
Abu Dhabi
Great initiative
The introduction of free public transport in Abu Dhabi is a great move by the authorities. As residents, we truly appreciate it. Even if the service were paid, people would prefer to go for public buses, as taxi fees are very high nowadays. I thank the authorities for their initiative.
From Mr Rashid Abdul
Abu Dhabi
Callous world
I am greatly disturbed by Linda Heard's comment on the two Palestinians, Zeina Ashrawi and Mohammad Omar ("Palestinians cannot even visit their homes", Gulf News, July 1). No other community in the world has been through as much turmoil as the Palestinians. The callous approach of the world toward the miseries of these people is shocking and well beyond imagination. It is high time the United Nations came up with concrete measures to ease the sufferings of Palestinians and put a stop to the displacement of these people.
From Mr Mohammad K.
Dubai
Complicit enablers
I agree with Linda Heard's recent comment and join her in condemning Israel for the situation in Palestine. However, the greatest censure should be directed at the leaders of the international community, who have stood by for so long without doing or saying anything. They are the real 'complicit enablers' of Israel's behaviour, which has gone beyond civilised norms. Most Israelis would be in an uproar if such conduct was done in their name, and they would insist that it must be stopped. What about Palestine?
From Mr Fariborz S. Fatemi
Virginia, USA
Wrong priorities
In the recent post-match press conference, the Pakistani cricket team's coach Geoff Lawson seemed very arrogant ("Pakistan take chance on rookie seamer Riaz in crucial match", Gulf News, June 29). Reporters actually walked out of the room after Lawson asked a senior journalist to improve his English and told another reporter that his rudeness would force Lawson to leave the premises. The remarks came right after Lawson laid down a few rules for reporters before fielding questions. He should be concentrating on making Pakistan reach the finals, instead of making arbitrary rules.
From Mr Saulin Vinit Pratap
Dubai
Teen angst
I would like to ask all parents why there are so many restrictions for teenagers. Parents always put the condition that if we do not get good grades, we will not get anything. I am a teenager and have experienced this kind of behaviour from my parents, too. Why must teens always suffer?
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
Check your bills
I advise all consumers to carefully check their receipts before leaving grocery stores, as some supermarkets tend to cheat the public by overcharging on certain items. A short while ago, I bought some grocery items at a nearby store. When paying for the items, I noticed a charge of Dh16.50 for a product that usually costs Dh2. I argued with the cashier until he agreed that there was an error with the bar code. If I had not checked the bill, I would have unnecessarily paid extra. I urge the authorities to take strong action against such retailers.
From Mr S. Meenaz Ahmad
Dubai
Too harsh
As a tenant in Abu Dhabi, I rented a two-bedroom apartment at Dh65,000 per year, which I paid in two installments. When it was time for renewal in 2007, our landlord forced us to pay the rent with just one cheque. Only after begging and weeping in front of him, he agreed to let us pay with two cheques. However, there was only a gap of three months between payments, with a seven per cent increase in the rent. This year, the harassment has begun again. How are we expected to cope? The authorities should urgently look into this issue.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
What about them?
Recently, I failed my driving test for the third time, and although I do not wish to comment on the reasons for this failure, I am sure that I definitely drive much better than a few of the current drivers that speed along on Dubai's roads. I fail to understand why the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is only focusing on people who are applying for a licence. What about drivers who have already been issued their driving licences?
From Mr Mirza M. W. Baig
Dubai
