New shuttle service to tackle Muharraq Souq parking problem and ease traffic

TDT | Manama

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Facing a tough parking squeeze since it was done up, Muharraq Souq looks set to get a new shuttle bus service.

The local council has given the nod for small buses to run every 15 to 20 minutes, linking out-of-the-way car parks with the market, aiming to ease weekend traffic jams and give shoppers a better way in.

The move by the Muharraq Municipal Council follows rising worries about the souq’s capacity to handle growing visitor numbers.

Council Chairman Abdulaziz Al Naa’ar, who put the plan forward, says the limited parking has led to congestions on the roads and hurt local trade, especially on weekends and holidays.

Drop-off stops

Under this arrangement, small- to medium-sized buses will ferry visitors from parking spots around town to handy drop-off stops in the souq.

Al Naa’ar says they’ll run on short cycles — about every quarter-hour during peak times — so that crowds can flow without adding more cars to the mix.

Some key car parks across Muharraq have been singled out as pick-up spots, and the proposal also calls for adding new bus stops or using existing ones around the souq.

Flexible payment setup

A flexible payment setup is on the table too, with choices like monthly passes or paying through a phone app.

Council members believe once the system is in place, it’ll ease weekend gridlock, make the souq easier to reach, and give local businesses a real shot in the arm.

Dates and further will be worked out with the relevant authorities, who want to ensure everything meets safety guidelines and covers visitor needs.