Add more buses to busy routes

A reader calls for more number of buses on Abu Dhabi's busy routes. Other topics: The National's birthday, women, schools, India

A reader complains about the inadequate number of buses on some busy routes. As a result, he says, they are almost always overcrowded, causing misery for daily commuters. Delores Johnson / The NationalShow less

It's not only the bus shelters that are not working, but some areas are covered by only one bus that is always crowded. (Abu Dhabi commuters feel the heat as air-con bus shelters fall into disrepair, April 16).

For instance, there is only one bus – the number 56 – that goes to Khalifa Park. It’s crowded all the time. It runs every 30 minutes and it takes 45 minutes to reach Khalifa Park from Life Line Hospital.

Can’t the Department of Transport introduce a long bus to alleviate the pain of the commuters?

Unfortunately, there are buses that go to Masdar City and other places that usually have three to four passengers.

Try to commute by buses 54 and 56 and you will see how crowded they are.

Mohammed Al Hajeri, Abu Dhabi

In praise of The National on its sixth birthday

I got up at 5am on April 17 to grab the special edition of The National. Earlier, I was trying hard to imagine how an entire newspaper filled only with pictures would look. When I saw it, I was pleasantly surprised.

The pictures are unique and fantastic. Kudos to the newspaper’s photo team. This issue must be kept as a collection.

Fatima Murtaza Moti, Abu Dhabi

I want to congratulate The National on its sixth birthday. I am a geography teacher working part-time at the British School at Al Khubairat. Since 2009, I have been collecting geography-related newspaper articles and filing them. They are helpful and I use them a lot while teaching.

I use clips from The National, which I subscribe to, because it is so nice to read. What makes them more interesting and reader-friendly are the illustrations with maps and diagrams. I don’t know how many clips I have collected, but they fill two big files. Thank you for all your hard work. Happy birthday.

Nabiha Mohamed, Abu Dhabi

I congratulate The National on its birthday. Over the years it has captured the attention of readers not only in the UAE but all over the world. I have been reading this newspaper from the beginning and appreciate its unbiased reports and insightful editorials. I am confident that in the coming days the newspaper will be able to add many more feathers to its cap.

K Ragavan, Denver

Article on women an eye-opener

The opinion article Unmarried women a 'burden' on the state? Not a chance (April 16) was nice and informative. I thank Khalid Al Ameri for showing the world the other side of Muslim/ Emirati men's attitude towards women. It's a balanced article and I would like to read more like this one.

Richard Avery, Abu Dhabi

Both school and parents are at fault

This refers to the news report Investigation into hostage pupils (April 16). Children shouldn't be in the centre of an argument between teachers and parents. As a parent I should know that if I don't pay school fees, my child won't be allowed to attend school.

This happens in all private schools worldwide. Also, why would I send my child to school if I haven’t paid? Some parents have guts and schools don’t know how to handle them. Both parties are at fault.

Marina Lomaya Kansou, Dubai

What preventive plan of actions does the Ministry of Education have to avoid similar incidents from taking place in other schools? I suggest administrative staff of schools attend a certified training course on behaviour and governance, which covers all such regulations.

As a parent, I would like to know who do we approach to log in our complains on various similar acts noticed in schools.

AL Burman, Dubai

A testing time for Indian people

There is nothing surprising in the fact that ordinary Indians want Congress out of Delhi (Delhi's lower classes turn to Modi as high cost of living bites, April 11).

What’s surprising is that even though Congress has ruled the country for most part of post-independence India, it is still able to find excuses for the pathetic condition of the country and demand additional time to provide a comfortable living for the majority.

It’s a testing time not for the party but the people. Year after year they have been given false promises.

There are millions of people in India who lack basic facilities, such as housing, food and education. Apart from that, what is lacking is security. Each government when it assumes power offers much more than they expect, but in reality their wait and struggles never end.

I think India is far from finding a political figure with genuine leadership abilities.

As long as a coalition remains in the government, the priority will remain in fulfilling the narrow ambitions of smaller parties, rather than hearing the lament of common people.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman