Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the supervision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the RTA has awarded a contract for 636 buses to enhance Dubai’s public transport, boost well-being, and achieve Urban Plan 2040 targets.
The new buses, which comply with European low carbon emissions standards (Euro 6), include 40 electric buses, the largest and first of their kind in the UAE. These buses will be delivered in 2024 and 2025, significantly contributing to the UAE's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, commented,
The procurement of these new buses is part of a master plan to elevate Dubai's public transport system to 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 deal illustrates RTA’s determination to make public transport the preferred mobility mode for residents, aiming to increase the share of public transport journeys to 25% by 2030.
Al Tayer highlighted that the technical specifications of the new buses align with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 and RTA's Public Transport Zero Emissions in Dubai 2050 Strategy, targeting 100% conversion of public transport buses to electric and hydrogen-powered by 2050. The contract includes 40 electric buses from Zhongtong, 450 city service buses (400 from MAN and 50 from Zhongtong), 76 double-decker buses from Volvo, and 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu, designed to serve high-density urban areas and new districts.
These buses will feature high safety, comfort, and quality standards, including the Driver Behaviour Monitoring System (Raqeeb) to enhance driver conduct and safety, an Automated Passenger Counting (APC) system to curb fare evasion, and an electronic Driver Identity Authentication system. Additionally, they will offer comfortable seating, adjustable seat belts in family areas, and a modern design reflecting Dubai's innovative spirit.
Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, emphasized the compatibility of the new buses with global standards, including low floors for easy access, bike racks, special seating for children, Wi-Fi, mobile charging points, and intelligent systems for optimal public transport services. He noted RTA's pioneering role in developing a special fuel consumption testing system (UAE Fuel Consumption Protocol) to enhance financial and environmental sustainability and ensure operational efficiency.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
