Saeed Mohammad Al Hameli, general manager of the Bus Office at the Department of Transport (DoT), said the service was aimed at easing bus travel for commuters.

Al Hameli was speaking after he signed a memorandum of understanding with Abdullah Mohammad Al Zari, director general of Sharjah Transport, at the DoT head office in Abu Dhabi.

"The service will provide commuters between Abu Dhabi and Sharjah cheaper and more convenient bus travel, with buses running every hour between 7.30am and 10.30pm on a daily basis," Al Hameli said.

The first service leaves the main bus station in Abu Dhabi at 7.30am for the Jubail bus station in Sharjah near the Fish Market.

The same schedule and frequency will be applicable to both emirates, with the last trip leaving at 10.30pm every day, according to Al Hameli. A trip will cost Dh30 one way and Dh60 for return ticket.

Al Hameli added the agreement is a pivotal step forward for closer cooperation between the DoT and Sharjah Transport to boost transport services between the two cities.

"The UAE is in the midst of unprecedented economic growth and effective solutions for convenient public transport system have become paramount. Our MoU with Sharjah Transport will go a long way in providing sustainable and environment-friendly transportation between Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. This is a step forward in our efforts to provide an effective transport system that contributes to the economic growth and quality of life of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."

Within the scope of the MoU, the Department of Transport and Sharjah Transport will boost exchanges of information and statistics to improve the public transport system between the two cities.

Al Zari said the MoU with DoT is a sign of commitment to enhance the transportation infrastructure within the UAE and address the mobility needs of an expanding population across Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.