A timely, effective change
This seems to be a great initiative by Emirates Transport (“First electric school bus tested by Emirates Transport”, Gulf News, November 8). I am really impressed by the country’s commitment to environmentalism. This will definitely put it at the forefront of innovation. To promote a green economy, it is important to start with transportation that is used consistently, like a school bus. This conversion to battery-powered, zero-emission electric buses will definitely help in the long run and hopefully, promote a future that embraces these technologies. What I also admire about this project is that it is tailored to UAE specifications. Often times, the biggest issue with introducing new technology in another country is that it might not work well for the country’s climate, conditions and geography. However, knowing that these buses have been extensively tested for the conditions in the UAE is a relief.
From Ms Divya Suri
Dubai
An SMS can save time
I think, all UAE exchange Metro platform were not functioning at seven in the morning, not only at the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) station (“Dubai Metro service interrupted during Monday morning rush hour”, Gulf News, November 7). I wish the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), will have an automatic announcement through SMS whenever there’s a technical error or glitch on the trains. This will help because a lot of commuters will not be stuck in the Metro stations.
From Ms Corie Pura
Dubai
Alternative in an emergency
The Dubai government is doing an excellent job when it comes to transport facilities. However, this week, the Metro faced some technical error. I have a request to the authority that in such emergency cases, the RTA should find an alternate option. Sometimes, people have important meetings and events they need to get to. People can be on their way to the airport or even a hospital. In such a case the government has to provide an alternate option. The reason why people are choosing public transport is because it is cheap, when comparing it to other modes. One also does not need to worry about parking. It also reduces pollution. The technical difficulties, which occur rarely, can be helped by making other facilities accessible.
From Ms Habeeba Salim
Making sure it’s safe
It woke me up in the morning (“26 dead as man opens fire in Texas church”, Gulf News, November 6). Texas is a very big state. This is strange because my daughter joined university in Dallas this August and the first thing I did was check the area. I immediately posted on social media to ensure that my huge network is safe. Arms are only due to the arms gangs, which are the ones keeping guns in everybody’s hands. I feel sorry for the attack this week.
From Mr Sanjay Gupta
Dubai
A different approach is better
A person always watching over their staff and subordinates is not conducive for a vibrant hierarchical relationship in any organisation (“The dreaded micromanager”, Gulf News, November 2). It frequently ignites stress and strain among people and creates negative energy. It chips away staff morale in general and their organisational value. Productivity and creativity are key human resources and unlocking that potential from people needs a coherent atmosphere. On the other hand, a macro management approach with a three-dimensional strategy of training, delegating and monitoring will induce synergy within the management. A well-defined Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for each staff member with an appropriate timeline and regular appraisal system promotes values for the whole organisation. Contented employees are a tangible asset.
From Mr Salim Moanpanthodi
Abu Dhabi
Speeding is a major cause
Often, one witnesses serious accidents on the Al Ain road where the road joins from Dubai Silicon Oasis. Yesterday in the evening, there was a serious accident that took place there. The reason for the crash was because the drivers come in full speed and try to move to the fast lane immediately, taking a vertical drive. If a speed breaker can be installed at the merging points then a lot of accidents can be avoided. I wish the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) took note of this and did the needful.
From Mr V Krishnamoorthy
UAE
A winning streak
It is heartening that we have finally broken the jinx and have managed to win against the New Zealand team in the first Twenty20 (T20) tie in New Delhi (“India beat New Zealand in 8-over shootout”, Gulf News, November 9). It is a real parting gift for cricketer Ashish Nehra, who richly deserved this honour before retiring. We wish him the best in whichever career he might chose. The match saw a remarkable opening partnership by our batsmen. At the same time, our catching, especially the catch Hardik Pandya’s took me back to the Chennai tied test match, where Steve Waugh took a similar catch. Of course, our bowlers, especially our spinners, were able to choke their middle order batsmen, who were on a roll during the series. Indian Captain Virat Kohli and his team should strive to win the series, and try to move up the ladder of ranking.
From Ms Kavitha Srikanth
Much-needed win
Congratulations to the Indian women’s hockey team for winning the Asia Cup, that, too, after a gap of 13 years, to qualify for the World Cup, on merit (“China to win Asia Cup hockey”, Gulf News, November 6). It is great that after a long time, India’s national game, hockey, is in the limelight, as the country has won the Asia Cup, with both their men’s and women’s teams. Well done Captain Rani and her team, who have proved that they are the queens of the sub-continent.
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
India
Fares are a concern
It is welcoming news that the Dubai Municipality is going to inaugurate the Dubai Safari in the month of December (“Dubai Safari ticket pricing revealed”, Gulf News, November 8). In this regard, the authorities have announced the rates of entry ticket, which will be from Dh20 to Dh30 for children and Dh50 to Dh85 for adults. Zoos, safari parks, and resorts are public places where a majority of people visit with their family. I think the cost of tickets for the Dubai Safari seem quite high and they might be beyond the budget of middle-class families in Dubai. In neighbouring Emirates such as in Al Ain, the entry tickets for such facilities are affordable, particularly for family members. In view of the above, the authorities are requested to take a lenient view on the fee structure so that families can visit the place with their children. The management could have family packages, group discounts and annual passes particularly for families to enjoy themselves.
From Ms Mumtaz Hussain
Dubai
Women are better
It is just a stereotype, a question usually asked by chauvinists (“Facebook: Why do women have a reputation of being bad drivers?”, Gulf News, November 7). But fortunately for us, statistics conducted by insurance companies found the following facts - men get into accidents more than women and generally, men get more traffic violations than women. Therefore, women are safer drivers than men. I think men are aggressive behind the wheel and do not abide by traffic rules. We are better drivers!
From Mr Mai Morcos
Lebanon
Facebook comment
Easily harassed
They have such a reputation because women get nervous quite easily and a lot of women say that male drivers harass female drivers on the roads. But we do get nervous by traffic easily. This is why we are the risky ones.
From Ms Sadaf Adnan
Ajman
Facebook comment
Not true
It is just an illusion that women are bad drivers. They are as good as men and might even be more responsible in certain situations.
From Mr N. Amit Si Ngh
Delhi
Facebook comment
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