Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has allocated a Dhs 1.1 billion contract to acquire 636 buses of different sizes. These buses adhere to stringent European standards for low carbon emissions (Euro 6), including 40 electric buses, a first of their kind in the UAE. Delivery of these buses is scheduled between 2024 and 2025. The initiative aims to strengthen Dubai's public transport infrastructure, ensuring sustainable and efficient mobility for residents and tourists alike.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, commented, "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. Our goal is to offer best-in-class services to public transport users and accommodate the sustained growth of public bus ridership."
The RTA's latest bus procurement underscores its commitment to promoting public transport as the primary choice for residents, aiming to increase its usage to 25% by 2030.
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The technical specifications of the new buses align with the UAE's objective to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, which aims to elevate Dubai to a leading global urban economy. These buses also support RTA's Public Transport Zero Emissions in Dubai 2050 Strategy, which targets converting all buses, taxis, and limousines to zero-emission vehicles. Specifically, RTA aims for 100% of public transport buses to be electric or hydrogen-powered by 2050.
What Does The Deal Include
The contract contains the acquisition of 40 electric buses by Zhongtong, a Chinese bus manufacturing company, tailored to Gulf specifications and proven effective in the region. Additionally, 450 city service buses will be purchased, comprising 400 MAN buses, one of the world’s leading providers of commercial vehicles and intelligent and sustainable transport solutions and 50 Zhongtong buses, all meeting rigorous safety, comfort, and quality criteria.
These buses are equipped with Euro 6 engines, designed to be environmentally friendly and classified under the United Nations Vehicle Category Class II, suitable for both urban and inter-urban routes.
The contract also includes 76 double-decker buses from Volvo, a Swedish multinational manufacturer of luxury vehicles and 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu, aimed at servicing densely populated urban areas and new districts to enhance geographic coverage and increase passenger capacity.
Most of these buses will feature a driver behaviour monitoring system to enhance safety standards by monitoring and improving driver conduct through innovative technology. They will also include an automated passenger counting system to accurately record passenger numbers and integrate with automated fare collection systems to reduce fare evasion. Furthermore, an electronic driver identity authentication system linked to the operating system ensures secure operations.
These buses are designed with comfortable seating, high safety standards including adjustable seat belts in family areas, and a modern sleek design that reflects Dubai's contemporary urban landscape.