Dubai opens three next-generation bus stations

Amenities include shops, bicycle racks and parking as Dubai encourages more people to use public transport

Union Bus Station, one of three new terminals opened in Dubai. RTA

Dubai has opened three new bus stations as its overhaul of the public transport system continues.

Al Jafiliya is in the neighbourhood of the same name, while Etisalat and Union are in the Deira districts of Al Qusais 3 and Al Rigga, respectively.

Amenities including shops, bicycle racks, waiting areas and public parking have been included to persuade more people to use public buses.

Last year, transport chiefs revamped the emirate’s largest bus terminal, Al Ghubaiba, in Bur Dubai. It now includes restaurants, shops and offices.

“The establishment of public transport bus ... stations comes as a continuation of the authority’s efforts in developing the infrastructure of the mass transit system,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director general of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.

“The new stations are unique in their innovative design.”

Al Jafiliya station has a capacity of 7,000 passengers a day and public parking on the roof.

The Etisalat terminal is connected to the metro station of the same name and has the capacity for 4,500 passengers.

Union Station is next to the metro station of the same name, where the red and green lines of Dubai Metro converge.

The revamped Al Ghubaiba spans 2,452 square metres and can now handle up to 15,000 passengers a day, up from 10,500 previously.

Authorities also launched new ferries, including a passenger service to Sharjah, to tempt more people away from using private cars on congested roads.