Photo essay: A day in the life of an Abu Dhabi bus driver

  • Mohammed Munsur, 43, from Chittagong, Bangladesh, has been a bus driver for Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre for 15 years. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    Mohammed Munsur, 43, from Chittagong, Bangladesh, has been a bus driver for Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre for 15 years. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • During the pandemic, he was one of the first bus drivers to be trained on how to transport Covid patients to quarantine zones
    During the pandemic, he was one of the first bus drivers to be trained on how to transport Covid patients to quarantine zones
  • Mr Munsur's shift starts at the fleet operations office at Al Karamah Bus Depot, where he is assigned a route
    Mr Munsur's shift starts at the fleet operations office at Al Karamah Bus Depot, where he is assigned a route
  • Mr Munsur chats with his supervisor Manaf Maroof before he starts his shift
    Mr Munsur chats with his supervisor Manaf Maroof before he starts his shift
  • He then heads to the parking bay to get the bus ready
    He then heads to the parking bay to get the bus ready
  • He ensures the assigned bus is cleaned inside out
    He ensures the assigned bus is cleaned inside out
  • The bus is also checked thoroughly before it sets off
    The bus is also checked thoroughly before it sets off
  • Mr Munsur inspects the interior of the bus
    Mr Munsur inspects the interior of the bus
  • A bus depot worker fills up the bus with fuel
    A bus depot worker fills up the bus with fuel
  • Once all the checks are carried out, the fleet of buses sets off
    Once all the checks are carried out, the fleet of buses sets off
  • Commuters catch the bus to work in central Abu Dhabi
    Commuters catch the bus to work in central Abu Dhabi
  • Mr Munsur says he has built a bond with his regular passengers, who ask for him if he is on a different route
    Mr Munsur says he has built a bond with his regular passengers, who ask for him if he is on a different route
  • The idea of meeting new people makes the daily commute exciting, Mr Munsur says
    The idea of meeting new people makes the daily commute exciting, Mr Munsur says
  • The buses are inspected for any damage before being released to the next driver
    The buses are inspected for any damage before being released to the next driver
  • Bus drivers catch up for a quick chat over a cup of tea
    Bus drivers catch up for a quick chat over a cup of tea
  • Mr Munsur, fourth from right, describes the other drivers as his 'family away from home'
    Mr Munsur, fourth from right, describes the other drivers as his 'family away from home'