UAE: Cafes and free wi-fi for Dubai's bus stops

Many of Dubai's bus stops already have air-conditioning to make waiting time more bearable

Waiting for a bus can often be a tedious experience, but travellers in Dubai will soon be able to put the time to good use.

The emirate's transport authority has announced a host of new features for 100 bus stops across its network, including free wi-fi, phone charging points, and mini cafes serving tea, coffee and nibbles, the Gulf News website reports. They'll also be fitted with kiosks that enable people to pay bills, top up their mobile phone credit, or even book airline tickets, the report says.

The free wi-fi will be time limited, however, to stop people misusing the service. "We have not decided the time limit, but it will decided taking into consideration the average waiting time at a particular bus stop," says Mohammad al-Ali from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The upgraded shelters, which are due to be ready for use by the end of January, will be sited at the busiest stops on Dubai's bus network.

The RTA has long been trying to lure commuters out of the cars in order to reduce traffic on Dubai's notoriously congested roads. In 2014, it offered people the chance to win lavish prizes - including gold - if they switched to public transport.

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