Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi adds 140 new buses in boost for commuters

Timetables return to pre-coronavirus scheduling with strict safety measures in place

A woman wearing a protective face mask rides her scooter on the streets of Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Employees at Future Tyres Trading in Al Quoz, Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

Dubai residents enjoy access to Kite Beach in Jumeirah with the Covid-19 precautions in place. Antonie Robertson / The National

Residents soak in the sunshine at Kite Beach in Jumeirah, Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dubai's reopened beaches have proved a hot spot for visitors eager for respite from weeks spent indoors. Antonie Robertson / The National

Cricket net practice returns in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A cricketer disinfects the stumps. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A young cricketer bowls a delivery in a net session. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A woman wearing protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus boards a bus in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

People wearing face masks board a bus in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Safety guidelines are displayed at popular visitor attractions such as Kite Beach in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Safety warnings ensure beach-goers in Dubai remain on guard. Antonie Robertson / The National

Operators at their desks at Dubai's Covid-19 Command and Control Centre at Mohammed bin Rashid University. AFP

Operators at their desks at Dubai's Covid-19 Command and Control Centre at Mohammed bin Rashid University. AFP

Emiratis with their protective masks at Mohammed bin Rashid University in Dubai. AFP

Abu Dhabi has added 140 new public buses across the emirate, which will be deployed from Wednesday.

The Integrated Transport Centre said bus timetables would also return to normal after some services were suspended to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Transport chiefs said 112 buses would operate in Abu Dhabi city and another 28 in Al Ain, with passengers required to fully adhere to social distancing and wear face masks at all times.

“The ITC will continue to undertake the necessary precautionary measures to avoid the spread of Covid-19,” a representative said.

“ITC transport inspectors will be deployed to oversee the public’s compliance with safety measures.”

He said regular and extensive disinfection would be carried out on each of the buses to ensure the public's safety.

Community bus services will also be resumed in Mussaffah and Mohamed bin Zayed City including those to Abu Dhabi International Airport, which are: M01, M02, M03, M04, M05, A1, A2, A10, A20, A40, B43 and B45.

All community bus services in Mussaffah, M01 to M05, will remain as paid services under the integrated fare system, with 328 trips each day.

Bus service will also resume in Al Ruwais, the ITC said.