Dubai's RTA Announces Major Upgrades To 22 Bus Stations And Depots

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has initiated a significant project aimed at enhancing the city's public transport infrastructure. This ambitious plan involves the improvement of 22 bus stations and depots, including 16 bus stations and 6 bus depots, over a three-year period. The comprehensive scope of this project includes infrastructural upgrades to buildings, the introduction of extensive passenger facilities, waiting terminals, service offices for drivers, overnight parking for buses, engine maintenance workshops, and dedicated inspection and maintenance bays for buses. The primary goal is to elevate the service experience for public transport users significantly.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, emphasized the strategic importance of developing public bus stations and depots. He highlighted that this initiative is part of RTA's broader strategy to boost the public transport infrastructure, thereby encouraging community members to prefer public transport for their daily commutes. Al Tayer pointed out that this project transcends the conventional role of bus stations by not only facilitating passenger mobility but also enhancing the overall travel experience through comprehensive services aimed at increasing passenger satisfaction.

The project will see improvements across 16 stations designated for public bus passengers in areas including Deira and Bur Dubai. Notable stations such as Mall of the Emirates, Sabkha, Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Ibn Battuta, Hatta, Gold Souk, Al Qusais, Deira City Centre, Al Ghubaiba, Union, Al Satwa, Al Rashdiya, Abu Hail, Etisalat, and Al Karama will undergo renovations. These renovations will include updates to building facades, system infrastructure works, and the addition of prayer rooms at selected stations.

In addition to station enhancements, six bus depots located at Al Khawaneej, Al Qusais, Al Ruwyyah, Al Aweer, Jebel Ali, and Al Quoz will be developed. These depots will experience upgrades such as revamping inspection lanes, installing engine wash lanes, improving drainage systems, maintaining floors, and installing new system infrastructure. Residential quarters for drivers will also be provided at Jebel Ali and Al Quoz Depots.

Exterior works across all stations will include the installation of traffic signals and sidewalks, revamping external lights, infrastructure work for security systems, redesigning bus parking yards at five stations, and adding initial test zones at three depots. In 2021, RTA successfully completed the construction of several public bus stations across Dubai in key areas such as Al Ghubaiba and Dubai International Airport (Terminal 3), focusing on integrating transport requirements to enhance city connectivity.

These enhancements aim to create a welcoming environment for People of Determination and link various transport modes through the development of first and last-mile requirements. By incorporating features like public bus parking, cycling lanes, pedestrian crossings, landscaping, and bike racks, RTA aims to promote walking and the use of individual mobility options.

RTA boasts an advanced fleet of public buses that meet exceptional safety standards and adhere to "Euro 6" European regulations for reduced carbon emissions. These buses are designed with comfortable seating and low-entry features to facilitate easy access for all passengers including People of Determination. This initiative underscores RTA's commitment to offering high-quality services to public transport users in Dubai.

With inputs from WAM