Dubai, Apr 19: Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police together launched inspection campaigns to ensure observance of bus riders with rules and guidance in place.

RTA Mohammed Nabhan said to Khaleej Times, "The campaigns, which continued for four days, resulted in the issuance of 739 offences against public transport etiquette. RTA provided awareness booklets and posters to bus riders explaining practices banned when riding buses, one of the most popular mass transit means," he said.

Khaleej Times reported that the entry/exit of paid zones without paying the applicable fares’ is one of the most frequent violations and 577 offences were reported in this regard. Other violations relate to the use of public transport means and facilities contrary to the instructions displayed in directional signs.

Other offences included the failure to show card upon request, littering , accessing prohibited areas despite signs on display, sitting in places not designated for riders, eating or drinking in prohibited places, resting feet on seats and many others said the report.

"RTA is not after penalising bus riders as they are our partners in supporting the use of public transport, especially buses. This campaign also reflects RTA's strategy to encourage the lowering of carbon emission and promoting culture of public transport by promoting bus etiquette and respect for public transport," added Nabhan.