Abu Dhabi buses will now allocate space to carry bikes onboard

ABU DHABI: The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi announced the launch of a new public bus service that provides space enabling riders to take their bikes onboard buses. The step aims to promote the culture of sustainable transport through enabling the integration of private mobility means with the public bus transport network, thus offering riders a solution to the last mile of their journeys to various destinations from and to the city centre and key tourist and entertainment points. The service is deployed on a route befitting the needs of residents and visitors as it connects Al Reem Island and Hudayriat Island.

ITC seeks to support and expand joint efforts to make physical activity and sustainable mobility a part of the daily routine to improve the quality of life and serve and entertain the community of Abu Dhabi. ITC also expects the new service to witness a positive response from residents and visitors, especially since it is the first time a service route has been operated to the recreational, tourist, and sports destination, Al Hudayriat Island, and supports the mobility of bikes.

The racks have been designed and manufactured according to international standards, with features that ensure passenger and bike safety. They are distinguished by a supportive design that ensures the safe and easy stability of bikes without obstructing the internal movement of passengers. The design also took into account the service of people of determination, as there are access ramps that facilitate the entry and exit of users to and from the bus.

The new service promotes sustainable transportation and supports the ‘first and last mile.’ It also helps the economic model of cities by facilitating movement from home to work or sports and leisure destinations for all members of the community.

Under the initial stage, 6 buses are deployed on the new route which passes along several locations across Abu Dhabi city. It starts with Al Reem Island and passes along Abu Dhabi landmarks such as the Central Bus Station, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, Zayed Educational Complex, Marsana Beach, Bab Al Nojoum Camp and 321 Sports. The service is characterized by a bike symbol beside the Service Number.

This service is a part of the public transport network’s expansion plan, which aims to integrate transportation and encourage the use of bikes and services associated with cycling tracks. The service also celebrates Abu Dhabi’s awarded UCI Bike City label, to become the first city in the Middle East and Asia to win this prestigious title.

The bus service (No. 73) operates in both directions from 6 AM to 12:00 AM throughout the week, with frequencies of 30 minutes during peak periods and 60 minutes during off-peak periods. For a detailed service schedule please visit the Integrated Transport Centre’s website www.itc.gov.ae, use the ‘Darbi’ smart app, or call the Department of Municipalities and Transport’s Service Support Centre toll-free number 800850.

The ITC affirms its commitment to providing a better transportation environment for users that encourages community members to assume a healthier lifestyle, and adopt bikes and sustainable transportation as optimal options for ‘first and last mile’ trips, in an effort to facilitate people’s mobility and make Abu Dhabi one of the world’s best cities for life, work and tourism.

WAM