A proposal calling for bus stops across the kingdom to be repaired, upgraded and modernised has been unanimously approved by the Northern Municipal Council.
It has suggested launching a trial phase in Budaiya, with the bus stops featuring air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and improved seating.
The proposal, led by councillor Mohammed Al Dossary and backed by three colleagues, was endorsed during a regular council meeting. It has now been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to be forwarded to Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa for review.
Mr Al Dossary
The GDN reported last July that only five main bus stations in Bahrain have air-conditioning and Internet access, leaving most other stops exposed to extreme heat. Mr Al Dossary said the idea was born from watching commuters – many of them elderly, workers and students – struggle daily at ageing bus shelters.
“Public transport users deserve comfort and dignity,” he said. “Some of these stops have not been upgraded in years. In the summer, people are left standing in extreme heat. In some locations, even the seating is broken or uncomfortable,” he claimed. He said the council was proposing a ‘model bus stop’ concept to be piloted at key locations in Budaiya before being rolled out across the country.
Among the suggested sites are stops opposite Budaiya Police Station on Budaiya Highway (Block 553), near the main station on Road 53 (Block 555), close to Roads 91–93 in Salman Town (Block 581), on Janabiya Highway and at Jasra.
New bus stops could be tested in Budaiya
“These are among the busiest stops,” Mr Al Dossary said.
“We want them equipped with air-conditioning, Internet service, and proper ergonomic seating. This will create a safe, comfortable environment and improve the overall urban appearance.”
Mr Al Dossary revealed he had previously written to the Transportation Ministry in September last year requesting discussions on upgrading bus facilities in the district.
“We are not asking for decorations,” he said. “We are seeking practical improvements that make a real difference to people standing in the heat every day.”
The council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Dr Mohsin Abdulla said upgrading bus shelters was a small change that would make a big social impact.
Dr Abdulla
“When you improve public transport stations, you improve daily life for hundreds of people,” he said. “This is a service that touches workers, students, families and visitors. It reflects how much we value public services.”
Public relations and information committee chairman Abdulla Al Thawadi said modern bus stops would also enhance the kingdom’s image globally.
Mr Al Thawadi
“These stations are part of the streetscape,” he said. “When visitors and residents see clean, modern, well-equipped shelters, it sends a message that Bahrain cares about details and quality of life.”
Councillor Abdulla Al Qobaisi added that the proposal aligned with broader goals to encourage more people to use public transport.
Mr Al Qobaisi
“If we want people to use buses more, we must make the waiting comfortable,” he said. “Air-conditioning and WiFi are no longer luxuries, they are basic expectations in today’s world.”
The push comes amid growing reliance on public transport.
Bahrain Public Transport Company has been operating the country’s bus service since 2015.
There are 140 buses as part of the fleet, with 114 in operation. The network operates more than 26 routes and covers 80 per cent of populated areas, 726 trips are made daily from 583 stations.
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa last month said the use of buses in Bahrain had climbed steadily since 2022, with 45,767,186 trips recorded between 2022 and 2025.
Annual rides on the red modern buses rose from 9,989,516 trips in 2022 to 11,728,080 in 2023, marking a 17 per cent increase from previous figures. Growth continued in 2024 with 11,859,699 trips (1pc rise), and reached 12,189,891 in 2025 (3pc increase).
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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