Dubai’s RTA announces Dhs1.1bn deal for low-emission buses

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said it would invest $300m (Dhs1.1bn) to acquire 636 low-emission buses of various sizes as part of the authority’s broader strategy to establish a sustainable and resilient public transport system.

The buses meet the European low carbon emission standards (Euro 6) and are set to be delivered in 2024 and 2025.

“The contract includes the purchase of 40 electric buses from Zhongtong, featuring GCC specifications tested and proven in the region, and 450 city service buses, including 400 MAN buses and 50 Zhongtong buses, all with high safety, comfort and quality standards,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general, chairman of RTA.

وقال معالي مطر الطاير المدير العام ورئيس مجلس المديرين في هيئة الطرق المواصلات: يأتي شراء الحافلات الجديدة في إطار خطة استراتيجية متكاملة وضعتها الهيئة للارتقاء بمنظومة النقل الجماعي في إمارة دبي وفقاً لأفضل الممارسات العالمية، وتقديم أفضل الخدمات لمستخدمي وسائل النقل الجماعي،… pic.twitter.com/7ca6A1SFX0

— RTA (@rta_dubai) July 21, 2024

“It also includes 76 double-decker buses from Volvo and 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu to serve high-density urban areas and new districts, enhancing geographic coverage and increasing occupancy rates.”

The initiative aligns with RTA’s strategy to increase Dubai’s share of public transport journeys to 25 per cent by 2030.

Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, stated that the purchase of the new buses was focused on ensuring compatibility with the latest global standards. The buses feature low floors to allow easy access for people with disabilities, bike racks, special seating for children, Wi-Fi service, mobile phone charging points, and intelligent systems to provide top-notch services to public transport users.

The low-emission buses support RTA’s Public Transport Zero Emissions Strategy for Dubai 2050. The plan aims to convert all buses, taxis, and limousines to zero-emission vehicles, with the aim of having all public transport buses run on electric or hydrogen power by 2050.

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