If you regularly take the metro to Dubai Mall or work near Downtown Dubai, your daily trip might be about to get a whole lot better.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a pilot run of a next-generation electric bus on Route F13, a metro feeder service connecting key destinations with the Dubai Mall Metro Station. The route starts from Al Quoz Bus Depot and passes through major landmarks including Burj Khalifa, The Palace Downtown Hotel, and Dubai Fountain, before terminating at the Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop (South).
The new electric bus, manufactured by Volvo, is packed with smart features. It includes high-definition cameras that replace side mirrors, a transparent head-up display that shows key driving information on the wind-shield, and advanced systems for improved safety and efficiency.
With a powerful battery, one of the largest of any electric bus tested in Dubai, the 12-metre-long vehicle can cover up to 370km on a full charge. It accommodates 76 passengers, with 41 seated and 35 standing, and has been specially designed to operate in Dubai’s climate, with a top-tier air conditioning system. This means that your bus rides are about to get much smoother, quieter and also environment-friendly.
According to Marwan Al Zarooni, Director of Buses at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, this trial will help gather essential performance and environmental data, particularly in high-demand areas and during hot weather. The pilot is part of RTA’s long-term goal to convert all public transport vehicles to zero-emission by 2050.
So, keep an eye out. You might just be one of the first in Dubai to experience the city’s future of clean and smarter public transport.