Go-Card campaign gets 25,000 users

Manama : The Go-Card campaign, which promotes the use of a pre-paid, re-usable smartcard to facilitate convenient and faster travel for public transport users, has sold 25,000 cards since the launch of the programme, it was revealed.

Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed praised the campaign as it helps reduce boarding times and allow passengers the right to switch buses to get to the desired destination at the least possible cost.

This came during his inspection visit to the Bahrain Public Transport Company in Isa Town to observe the operations of the company and development of various facilities necessary for public buses. The minister was received by Borja Bermudez, General Manager of Bahrain Public Transport Company who gave a comprehensive tour of the company’s administrative offices and warehouse facilities for buses. 

The Minister pointed out the need to support companies involved in public transportation and ensure their readiness in terms of international standards of public services in the Kingdom.

He noted that prior to the official launch of the project, there were only 35 buses on 12 lines in the network. The total number of buses operated in August 2015 witnessed a leap by reaching up to 141 buses on 32 lines, he added. 

The total number of passengers using the buses reached more than 13 million passengers since the launch of the project, he said, adding that the maximum number of passengers per day was 72,000. 

The Minister said the authorities are considering to set the new buses in compliance with the international standards of maintenance and safety. They would also be equipped with special facilities for the elderly and the people with disabilities.