Fashion over function
The new bus shelters are enclosed with a manual sliding door at the front and are presumably air-conditioned. Whilst this is an admirable intention to improve the quality of transport service, one has to question the effectiveness of such shelters in summer. The rear side of the shelter has some form of insulated metal cladding, whilst the front is glazed. This would make uniform air conditioning very difficult, with the sun angle on different surfaces at different times of the day. Also, if the door is opened and closed regularly, the temperature will fluctuate. A more practical solution would be for a larger shaded roof with more seating and no walls, to allow ventilation. I have to conclude that the design is inappropriate and is a triumph of fashion and style over functional requirements.
From Mr John Young
Dubai
The Metro advantage
The Metro will be a huge advantage to people. Firstly, as all people who use the taxi service can save money. Secondly, it would help reduce traffic and pollution - a big concern now in Dubai. However, in order to make the Metro even more successful the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has to ensure that tight security is on call at all times in order to safeguard the safety of users.
From Ms Deep Jyoti
Dubai
Admirable news boys
Hats off to the newspaper delivery guys who relentlessly work throughout the night, regardless of circumstances. I was surprised to see the paper delivered on time at 5am, even on the day when most roads were blocked owing to US President George Bush's visit and the non-stop rains, both situations that disrupted normal life. The newspaper boys indeed deserve a great applause for their sincerity.
From Dr. Nirmal Sumitha
Dubai
Miles to go
I appreciate Gulf News' coverage of news spanning major regions of the world. However, to be able to position itself as a global newspaper reaching all classes of society, it may need to touch upon various facets of news rather than focusing on just politics or major events. These could include topics such as science, technology and nature that are very close to the hearts of most people these days. I've read popular newspapers in India and UK, and find them devoting specific pages to these topics. Of course there is much to do, apart from just these bits, but it would definitely be a step ahead.
From Mr Athar Syed
Sharjah
Lesson for life
I was very happy to read of the three sisters getting an education ("It's never too old for us to study", Gulf News, January 18). This will no doubt help change their lifestyles and process of thinking. The report will also open the eyes of many uneducated adults to follow suit. I request all Gulf News readers to encourage those who cannot read and write to take up education, by telling this story.
From Mr Ashwani Gogia
Dubai
Prevention
Rains have caused havoc and inconvenience to the residents in both Sharjah and Dubai. The municipalities are doing their best to rid the affected low-lying areas of accumulated water, now stagnating and releasing a foul odour. A very important step that needs to be taken is to spray such cesspools with anti-mosquito/anti-malarial oil in order to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. This would be a great service on part of the municipality to ensure public health.
From Mr Dharam Bir Singh
Dubai
French connection
Like most French, I believe it is French President Nicholas Sarkozy's private life and the media should be more concerned about the situation in France ("Sarkozy's model behaviour", Unwind, Gulf News, January 18). Of course, it is normal that this story is sensationalised, more so as he is a public figure. However, there is no need to pry. President Sarkozy has chosen to be vocal about his personal matters, but it is our responsibility to respect his privacy and let him be. Let's concentrate on his work and pre-election promises. There is enough to talk about!
From Ms Myriam Veluz
Dubai
Catching a taxi
As a working woman, I have to wait a minimum of two to three hours every day in order to catch a taxi. There are times when despite calling for a taxi, I do not get any response. The area where has no public transport facilities. In the end, I had no choice but to apply for a driving licence. I request the concerned authorities to improve the transport facilities, as I know many women who face a similar problem.
From Ms Rochelle Dawson
Dubai
Unfair billing
On most trips to hypermarkets, I have ended up arguing with cashiers who charge me more and refuse to pay change money. For instance if my final bill was an odd figure of Dh100.89, I would be charged Dh101. This is not fair. It's not a question of 19fils, but the fact that a lot of customers might be cheated this way. Instead of giving customers benefits, most hypermarkets are cashing in on the odd price tag.
From Mr Ajay Bhatia
Dubai
Turn Al Barsha green
Why is Dubai Municipality building yet another park in the Al Ghusais area? There are already two parks existing in Al Twar within five kilometers distance of each other. Can Dubai municipality please consider building parks in places like along Shaikh Zayed Road from interchange one to Al Barsha? All the parks in this area are on the Safa park side. Don't people in places like Al Barsha deserve a bit of green?
From Mr Cyril Britto
Dubai
Perpetual pain
Salik is a pain both on and off the road! I have been trying to recharge my Salik tag for a week now, but the online pay system does not work!! Salik's answer is to pay at a petrol station. An online payment option would be welcome, as I already have a million other things to do. Also, talking of payments, when will I get my money back as a refund?
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
