BPTC modifies public bus routes

DT News Network

news@dt.bh

Manama

In a response to the criticisms put forward by commuters, the Bahrain Public Transport Company (BPTC), which manages public bus transport in the Kingdom, announced some changes in buses running in some routes. 

The changes were initiated after some commuters complained of poor connectivity and lower frequency of bus services in some routes. 

As a major relief to passengers of East Riffa and Salmabad, the bus route connecting these two places has been extended to Manama bus stand via Salmaniya and Gudiabiya. 

Earlier, for passengers of East Riffa and Salmabad, reaching Manama was difficult due to unavailability of direct buses. 

According to the new changes, buses of route A1 will run between Isa Town and airport, every 15 minutes. 

However, there will not be any direct bus between the airport and Askar as BPTC has decided to discontinue A2 service. 

Meanwhile, the A1 buses will also pass through Muharraq terminal, restoring the old link between Isa Town and Muharraq. 

Passengers to Askar can now use the buses plying in routes 17 or 18, goes to Al Dur, Askar, Alba, Isa Town, Tubli, Salmaniya, Gudaibiya and Manama. 

Both 17 and 18 will connect Askar, while 18 will extend its service until Jaw and Al Dur. Buses running between Manama and Isa Town, would ply via Highway no. 35 in Zinj and then along Palace Avenue in Gudaibiya.

Route no. 31 will now follow the main road around Busaiteen (Busaiteen Avenue and Avenue 11). Both routes 30 and 31 will be diverted around King Hamad University Hospital roads, off Al Ghous Highway. Service 32 will be simplified around Samaheej and Qalali areas. It would use the main highway, instead of the residential area around Avenue 38. 

Marketing Communication official of Bahrain Public Transport Company, Ahmed Ahmed earlier told DT News the company was studying all the flaws in the transport system to improve the efficiency of bus service.

He had assured everything would be smooth in phase 2, to be introduced on August 1. But BPTC has addressed the problems related to routes quickly.

Improvement in infrastructure

Authorities have started a range of works at Manama, Muharraq and Isa Town terminals to make each terminal safer, cleaner, more accessible and customer friendly.

“By the end of the summer, the customers would see improvements including new surface treatments at Muharraq and Isa Town, pedestrian crossings, waiting areas, ticket offices with air-conditioned waiting rooms, in-terminal ticket vending machines, CCTV cameras, platforms that level with bus doors. The passengers would also be provided information regarding routes, schedules, ticket prices and network connections,” BPTC said.