A reliable travel service
The waterbus is an excellent way to cross the Dubai Creek ("Dh30m water taxi service to ride the waves next year", Gulf News, February 27).
The service is reliable, on time and offers commuters and visitors a safe, reasonably-priced travel service.
I have been a regular user of this service ever since the introduction of Salik forced me off the road due to increased traffic congestion.
However, my concern is that during summer it will be too hot to wait at the newly constructed stations, as there is no shaded area to keep cool.
More stations or drop off points would be useful and would encourage people to use this service.
Instead of introducing new services, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should look at scrapping the Salik system and accept that this has increased congestion and forced additional costs on businesses and motorists!
From Ms Karen Allan
Dubai
Yoga in schools
It has been proven that yoga enhances health. Wouldn't it be great if schools could impart yoga classes to all students as part of the curriculum?
This would ensure better health conditions in children. I request the authorities to consider this suggestion, as it would be beneficial to many.
From Mr Nanjundanathan Manoharan
Dubai
The 29th!
As a regular reader of Gulf News, I wanted to share some unique information with the readers.
It would be interesting to note that Friday, February 29 was the fifth Friday of the month - an event that occurs once in 28 years.
This year the month of February started and ended with a Friday. This happened last in 1980 and will apparently happen next in 2036.
From Mr Khaja Naseer Al Deen
Dubai
Wasting resources
Though I have waited hours at a stretch for a taxi before, this is the first time I have written in to complain about the issue.
It takes a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes each time to catch a taxi, but with no luck - as most vacant taxis just drive by, not willing to stop. What sort of service is this?
If the taxis do not want to provide a service, there is no need for a transport system that simply eats up resources.
From Ms Bushra Baseem
Abu Dhabi
Better coverage
Now that registration for the next academic year is open, lots of people seem to be talking about what kind of school to send their children to.
Many of my friends have been talking about schools that offer a multi-lingual programme.
I would request to see greater coverage of the concept of multi-lingual education.
From Ms Catherine Pinney
UAE
An alternative
I would definitely care about the fuel used by the aircraft I travel in ("Virgin Atlantic jumbo jet is first airliner to fly partially on biofuel", Gulf News, February 25).
However, does it make sense to utilise edible products to reduce dependence on fossil fuels?
With some hope and plenty of research we could continue to use fossil fuels until someone devises an alternative generated from processing waste matter.
From Ms Meena D'Souza
UAE
Do not mock
What is the point of having a separate counter for ladies ("Traffic police set up women-only counter", Gulf News, February 25)? We have one in Abu Dhabi and the last time I went, I saw the counter being used by men.
On objecting, I was told that the lady is the buyer, while the rest are sellers.
If that's the case then the general counter should have been used. Why mock the 'ladies section'?
From Ms Aisha Lakdawala
Abu Dhabi
Stricter fines
Considering the fact that the authorities do not take serious action against children travelling in cars without being strapped to seats, I wonder how they are going to enforce the use of a rear seat belt ("Use of seatbelts in back seats may be made compulsory", Gulf News, February 25)?
It makes no sense to initiate laws without enforcing them. The only way people would adhere to such rules was if the authorities were really strict in issuing fines.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Gone unnoticed
The February 23 edition of Gulf News carried three separate reports of people involved in accidents.
These were innocent men, women and children who were either hit, run over by speeding cars or died due to negligence.
It is unfortunate that all this was not reported on the front page, as more attention needs to be given to such issues that often go unnoticed.
My sincere condolences go out to the families of the victims.
From Ms Ineke D'Souza
Dubai
Penalise offenders
I would suggest that the police patrol the Al Maktoum bridge when it splits towards Al Muraqqabat signal and Sharjah.
The road is congested every evening due to motorists who block the first two lanes that are less crowded.
This is a great nuisance for motorists heading towards Deira. I would like to request the police to install cameras or patrol the area and penalise offenders.
From Mr Rahul Kapoor
Dubai
Surprising find
I am really puzzled and wonder how the team captain of the largest cricket-playing nation does not know the use of gloves ("Indian skipper Dhoni caught in the web", Gulf News, February 26).
Most cricket fans nowadays know that a wicket-keeping glove with extra web cannot be worn.
In fact such a glove is not allowed as it gives an extra edge for the wicket keeper to hold the ball.
Isn't it absurd that the world's most expensive cricketer and captain of the Indian cricket team does not know the rule?
From Mr Shabir Zain Al Deen
Abu Dhabi
Better response
My wife witnessed a bad accident recently on the highway between Al Khail Road and Emirates Road in the direction of Palm Jumeirah.
The issue is that it took six calls to ensure that emergency services understood the location of the accident.
The call-taker even asked for a landmark. The emergency service response and communication needs improvement.
I don't think my wife could have been more precise in her directions. Better response is needed to save lives.
From Mr Craig
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Exchange programme
It is heartwarming to see that in this day and age there are still enough book lovers who love to read ("Used book festival is a success story for avid readers in Dubai", Gulf News, February 26).
Advanced technology has made it easy for anyone to access a virtual library.
The book festival provides an opportunity to see the unique works of fiction, in bulk - something that is not available in leading books stores.
The festival also helps readers deposit their old books that might otherwise be dumped in trash. It would be a welcome move to have an annual and dedicated programme for exchange of old books.
From Ms Jeseena Bapputty
Dubai
