Light rail would enhance city’s transport mix

Readers discuss public transportation. Other topics: television packages, rents and insults

A reader says the Main Bus Terminal in Abu Dhabi needs a makeover. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

It was interesting to read your editorial about public works projects in Abu Dhabi (Infrastructure programmes are welcome, October 16).

On Facebook, The National asked what other projects we would like to see in the capital.

I think a light rail transport system would be good, as there are lots of pedestrians struggling to walk on uneven pavements. I know some people who walk 3 to 5 kilometres in the heat because they can’t afford a taxi.

The bus service is not enough. Many streets lack proper bus stops, and the schedules are not convenient, especially for buses connecting the downtown area and the suburbs.

I’d like to see more comfortable and affordable transport alternatives for Abu Dhabi commuters.

Jehad Makhoul, Abu Dhabi

I would like to see the Main Bus Terminal renovated.

George Philip, Abu Dhabi

Unhappy with TV package

I wish to share a complaint about my Etisalat television package.

I have been using Etisalat’s Triple Play service with a full sports package for the past couple of months. However, I was surprised when I could not find certain channels. I thought it might be a technical glitch and called Etisalat.

I was informed that BeIN has changed its services, and if I want those channels back I should pay an extra Dh20 a month on top of my full sports package subscription. My argument is that the contract is between myself and Etisalat and should be honoured as such.

After a lengthy debate with the customer care officer, I realised that the official line is that there is nothing they can do about it. So, I asked to remove the TV option and have telephone and internet services only. I was told that they would charge me a penalty fee for removing the TV service.

I am truly stumped at this, as I believe it was Etisalat that breached the contract.

M Mahmood, Abu Dhabi

Education will save fish stocks

The initiative described in UAE fishermen prepared to change their tune in face of falling stocks (October 14) is fantastic.

Educating the fishermen will allow them to become part of the solution to saving fish stocks.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Insults should be punished

I am writing in relation to your story, Woman who threw glass at man over party dispute loses court appeal (October 15).

The only conclusion to draw from this incident is that people who drink should only drink as much as they can handle. Also, it is best to avoid such gatherings if one does not wish to get involved in fights.

As much as we should blame the woman for throwing a glass at the man’s face and leaving him with a permanent disability, it is sad that the man was only fined for consuming alcohol and was not punished for hurling insults at the woman.

It is disappointing to hear of incidents where women are verbally abused, disrespected and insulted.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

I don’t agree with comments on social media that the woman was defending herself.

The man ignored her first ­assault, so she raised her efforts and threw a glass in his face, causing an injury. This is why she was handed a prison sentence.

R Stirling, Dubai

Fees exceed official limit

In UAE merchants slip in extra charges for credit card deals (October 15), your personal finance columnist says that the maximum fee is 2 per cent.

However, I know that some budget airlines charge a 3 per cent service charge for using a credit or debit card.

Ben Neal, Abu Dhabi

Some hospitals charge a fee for credit-card use, and it is more than 2 per cent.

A Rahman, Dubai

Vacant flats, but rents stay high

There are many vacant flats and rooms in apartment buildings and villas in Abu Dhabi and its suburbs.

Although some of these have been empty for months, rents are not going down.

MA Mannan, Abu Dhabi