Air-Conditioned Bus Shelters
In 2006, the Dubai Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) promised air-conditioned bus shelters for summer, 2007. I've been told that, in fact, there were two such shelters somewhere, fulfilling the promise. I will accept that statement as true, the fact that I never saw them not being proof that they weren't hidden away in a part of Dubai where I did not travel.
I predicted that, from December through February, all the Dubai Bus stops would be air-conditioned. A safe prediction, since all of outdoor Dubai is air-conditioned from December through February.
To my great shock and amazement, the air-conditioned shelters have actually arrived from Canton, China at most of the bus stops around the older parts of Dubai. They do not, as yet, have any facilities to remain air-conditioned in summer, but all have a place on which to install an air-conditioner.
One problem is that inside each shelter is a frame with places to install 8 seats, rather less than the number of people currently waiting for buses at most stops.
On many of the shelters is a sign:
'RTA Work Just Finished ...
'Please Don't Enter Inside.'
With such a sign, the bus shelters I've seen have been completely full, with people sitting on the frames that do not, as yet, have the seats attached and others standing: an image of sardines comes unbidden to mind.
It remains to be seen how well these shelters will work in July and August, but even a slightly cooler place to sit and await the municipal bus will be greatly appreciated.
I predicted that, from December through February, all the Dubai Bus stops would be air-conditioned. A safe prediction, since all of outdoor Dubai is air-conditioned from December through February.
To my great shock and amazement, the air-conditioned shelters have actually arrived from Canton, China at most of the bus stops around the older parts of Dubai. They do not, as yet, have any facilities to remain air-conditioned in summer, but all have a place on which to install an air-conditioner.
One problem is that inside each shelter is a frame with places to install 8 seats, rather less than the number of people currently waiting for buses at most stops.
On many of the shelters is a sign:
'RTA Work Just Finished ...
'Please Don't Enter Inside.'
With such a sign, the bus shelters I've seen have been completely full, with people sitting on the frames that do not, as yet, have the seats attached and others standing: an image of sardines comes unbidden to mind.
It remains to be seen how well these shelters will work in July and August, but even a slightly cooler place to sit and await the municipal bus will be greatly appreciated.
posted by Dubai@Random at 5:11 pm
1 Comments:
I have visions of 3 on a lap.....oh yukka.
Perhaps you can carry something with you to help us bloggers identify you easily, perhaps a yellow flag on a 3 metre high pole. When we see the flag we shall scoot in and offer you a lift, as long as you refrain from visiting those 'rough' areas of Sharjah's industrial zone.
Post a Comment
<< Home