Abu Dhabi residents urged to make use of park-and-ride service

A park-and-ride service launched on the outskirts of the city five weeks ago appears to have had few takers.

Park-and-ride signs are posted at various points across the city, such as this one at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. Silvia Razgova / The National

ABU DHABI // Commuters seem reluctant to use a park-and-ride service launched on the outskirts of the city five weeks ago.

The service encourages drivers to leave their cars at Zayed Sports City and catch a free shuttle bus to various parts of the city centre.

The aim is to reduce traffic congestion, pollution and demand for parking spaces in the city.

“Only two to five cars are using the parking lot every day,” said a staff member at the ticket booth.

On Wednesday, a Nissan Altima and a Toyota Corolla were the only vehicles among the 600 free parking spaces.

Commuters can pick up a free bus ticket and one each for up to three passengers.

“I think we need to distribute brochures to encourage more people to use this free service,” the staff member said.

“We should be targeting people from Mussaffah, Baniyas, Shahama, Mafraq, Madinat Zayed and Ruwais.”

The buses, which have Wi-Fi, are available from 6am to 8.30pm Sunday to Thursday. They leave every 15 minutes from 6am to 8am, and every 30 minutes at other times.

"People can save money on petrol, enjoy a comfortable bus ride and not face problems with parking in the city," said Amjad Ali Shah, 55, one of 12 bus drivers assigned to the service.

Most of those using the buses are from India, Morocco and Egypt, but a few are Emirati and western expatriates

“I dropped a German lady at Al Ain Tower this morning,” Mr Shah said. “She said it was easier for her to take the bus and not worry about finding a parking space on Hamdan Street.”

Commuters from Dubai and the Northern Emirates who are not familiar with the city should also take advantage of the scheme, he said.

Nabil Mahmoud, 37, said he drove an empty bus into the city for three days in a row this week.

“No one comes here after 8.30am to park his or her car,” said Mr Mahmoud.

Another driver, Mohammed Sabor, 38, said he hoped more people would take advantage of the service.

“Many still do not know the location,” Mr Sabor said. “Yesterday, a Filipina asked me where she could park and get a bus ticket.”

Abdul Kader, 38, who lives in Al Zayihah, said it was the first time he had heard of the park-and-ride scheme in Abu Dhabi.

“We always get stuck in traffic on the way to the office,” he said. “It’s good for residents of Mussaffah and Khalifa City A.

“They can take the bus to the city where there is a shortage of parking spaces.”

Buses from Zayed Sports City are routed through Al Safarat roundabout, Dhafeer Street, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street, Delma Street, Hamdan Street and the Corniche.

The Department of Transport did not respond to requests for comment.