Dubai RTA Invests AED 1.1 Billion In Low-Emission Buses For Sustainable Transport

In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai aims to create a sustainable public transport system. This initiative seeks to improve residents' well-being, boost Dubai's global competitiveness, and meet the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 targets.

The new buses will comply with European low carbon emissions standards (Euro 6). Among them, 40 electric buses will be the first of their kind in the UAE. Deliveries are scheduled for 2024 and 2025. The technical specifications align with the UAE's net-zero emissions goal by 2050 and Dubai's Economic Agenda D33.

Under H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's supervision, the RTA awarded a contract for 636 buses of various sizes. These buses aim to elevate Dubai's public transport system to international standards. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of RTA, stated, "The procurement of these new buses is part of a master plan to elevate the public transport system in Dubai to bring it in line with the top international standards."

The contract includes purchasing 40 electric buses from Zhongtong and 450 city service buses. These include 400 MAN buses and 50 Zhongtong buses, all meeting high safety and comfort standards. Additionally, there are 76 double-decker buses from Volvo and 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu.

Al Tayer explained that these new buses would support the UAE's net-zero emissions target by 2050. They are compatible with RTA’s Public Transport Zero Emissions Strategy, aiming for a complete transition to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2050.

Commitment to High Standards

Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, highlighted that the new buses meet global standards. They include features like low floors for easy access, bike racks, special seating for children, Wi-Fi service, mobile charging points, and intelligent systems.

"RTA is a pioneer across the GCC in developing a special fuel consumption testing system (UAE Fuel Consumption Protocol) to compare fuel consumption among different bus types," Bahrozyan added.

Most of these buses will feature advanced technologies like the Driver Behaviour Monitoring System (Raqeeb) to enhance safety standards. They will also have an Automated Passenger Counting system to curb fare evasion and an electronic Driver Identity Authentication system linked to the operating system.

The new fleet aims to increase public transport journeys' share to 25% by 2030. This requires high-quality services with wide geographical coverage and integrated multi-modal transit systems.

Buses will have comfortable seating, high safety standards, adjustable seat belts in family areas, and a sleek design reflecting Dubai's modernity. The supplier qualification criteria included manufacturing capabilities that meet global standards for financial and environmental sustainability.

This initiative underscores RTA’s commitment to making public transport the preferred mobility mode for residents while ensuring operational efficiency.

With inputs from WAM