By Fatima Suhail, Gulf News Reader www.gulfnews.com
Since we sold our car, I have become a frequent traveller and user of public transport. Firstly, I would like to congratulate the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and commend their efforts in providing transport facilities for the residents of Dubai.
But one thing that disappoints me is that even after millions are being spent by the government on the well-being of its people, some residents continue to misuse public buses.
It was quite astonishing for me to witness a man seated beside us, placing his foot on the seat in front of him. I do understand that people can be tired, but this does not allow them to rest [their feet] on the seats where passengers sit, and make them dirty. This sort of behaviour is intolerable and [such people] should be heavily penalised.
Many of us may exit the buses, thinking they are sparkling clean, and hang or place our clothes back into our wardrobes. We may even go to religious places, such as mosques or churches, believing that our clothes are clean and pure.
But the truth is that due to such people, and their mistreatment of facilities, our clothes become dirty — [the germs] may not even be visible to the naked eye. It is because shoes go into almost every nook and cranny.
Many a time children may drop something edible on the seat, and then eat the same thing — this is so unhygienic and poses a high risk to our health.
I am glad that eating and drinking in buses is already prohibited by the authorities. I urge the authorities to monitor such activities and behaviour across all buses, water buses and the Dubai Metro.
Stricter penalties should be imposed on such passengers in the form of fines, as well as by confiscating their Nol cards, or not allowing them to use public buses for a week or so.
These kinds of penalties would help people realise the value and benefit of public transport, and may help them control their behaviour.
I would appreciate it if such punishments are implemented.
The reader is a recent graduate of Preston University, residing in Dubai.
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