Dubai RTA Expands Public Transport Fleet With 735-Bus Contract And 40 Electric Buses Euro 6

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is bringing a major upgrade to its public bus network, with the first 250 vehicles from a 735-bus order already delivered. The shipment includes 40 electric buses, described as the largest and first-of-its-kind electric bus procurement in the UAE. All buses meet Euro 6 low-emission standards, and remaining deliveries are scheduled for completion in 2026.

The wider contract covers a mix of vehicle sizes and configurations designed for different routes across the Emirate. It includes electric buses, city-service units, double-decker models and articulated buses, all produced to defined safety, comfort and quality specifications. The new fleet is intended to serve dense urban corridors, long inter-urban trips and newly developed areas, while reducing emissions and improving service reliability.

To clarify the composition of the new fleet, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has outlined the bus types and quantities in the order below.

The Zhongtong electric bus, inspected by Mattar Al Tayer, is the first of its type for Dubai’s urban routes. Built to Gulf specifications, it is 12 metres long and carries 70 passengers. The bus offers an estimated 280-kilometre range per charge and uses a 434 kilowatt-hour battery with a 360-kilowatt ABB charger, plus a 360-degree camera system and certified safety features.

The electric bus operates with an advanced battery cooling system engineered for the UAE climate. It underwent more than three months of testing in Dubai, covering inspection and trial operations on regular service routes. Trials examined propulsion stability, energy use, braking, air-conditioning and cooling performance, and handling during frequent stops. Results showed strong operational stability and a 95% satisfaction rating from drivers and passengers.

During the inspection tour, Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, reviewed technical features and test outcomes. Al Tayer linked the roll-out of electric buses to national climate objectives, including the drive toward climate neutrality by 2050, and to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets growth of the city’s position among leading global urban economies.

Al Tayer said, "In the near future, there will be a gradual increase in the number of electric buses operating across the Emirate, in line with national directions to reduce the carbon footprint and achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and in support of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the world’s largest urban economies."

"These efforts also support RTA’s Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy 2050, which aims to convert all buses, taxis and limousine vehicles to zero-emission operation. Under this strategy, RTA seeks to transition 100% of public transport buses to electric and hydrogen power by 2050," Al Tayer noted.

The 40 Zhongtong electric buses are an early step within this long-term strategy and are described as the largest and first-of-its-kind electric bus procurement in the UAE. They will operate alongside the wider Euro 6-compliant fleet, helping cut emissions from public transport while maintaining capacity. The plan aligns with national climate policies and supports broader environmental targets across the Middle East region.

Dubai RTA electric buses: passenger experience and safety systems

Across the new fleet, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is deploying several smart safety and monitoring technologies. Many buses carry a Driver Behaviour Monitoring System, designed to analyse driving patterns and support training. An Automated Passenger Counting system compares recorded boardings with the automated fare collection data, which helps reduce fare evasion, while Driver Identity Authentication links each trip to an authorised driver profile.

Passengers will see interior changes aimed at comfort and accessibility. Buses feature ergonomic seating, high safety levels and adjustable seat belts, including in areas set aside for families. A low-floor entrance supports easier boarding for People of Determination, while designated spaces for children and bicycles are provided. Vehicles also offer Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile phone charging points and a modern interior design that reflects Dubai’s contemporary identity.

From an engineering standpoint, 549 of the new vehicles are city-service buses powered by Euro 6 engines, which are designed to reduce harmful exhaust emissions. These buses are classified as Class II under United Nations vehicle regulations, allowing use on city routes and longer inter-urban lines. The order also covers 76 double-decker Volvo buses and 70 articulated Isuzu Anadolu units to serve high-density corridors and newly developed districts, supporting wider geographic coverage and higher occupancy rates.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has also adopted a national standardised fuel-consumption testing protocol, described as the first of its kind in the Gulf region. This protocol allows more accurate comparison of vehicle performance and helps optimise fleet operations. Combined with the introduction of electric buses and Euro 6 engines, the approach is intended to improve efficiency while supporting financial and environmental sustainability across the public transport network.

With inputs from WAM