RTA signs Dh1.1 billion deal for 636 new buses on Dubai roads

Dubai: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract for the purchase of 636 new buses of various sizes.

These buses meet the European specifications for low CO2 emissions (Euro 6). Among them are 40 electric buses, the largest and first of their kind in the UAE. The buses will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.

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The move comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai. The aim is to establish a sustainable and resilient public transportation system that facilitates the movement of residents and visitors. This initiative is aimed at improving the well-being of the people, boosting Dubai’s global competitiveness as a hub for international events and achieving the objectives of the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Directors of RTA, said: “The acquisition of these new buses is part of a master plan to upgrade Dubai’s public transport system and bring it in line with the highest international standards. Our aim is to provide best-in-class services to public transport users and accommodate the continued growth in public bus ridership. The deal illustrates RTA’s determination to make public transport the preferred mode of transport for residents and increase the share of public transport travel to 25% by 2030. To achieve such a target, it is necessary to provide high-quality public transport vehicles characterised by wide geographical coverage and integrated multimodal transport systems.

“The technical specifications of the new buses support the UAE’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as well as Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, aimed at positioning Dubai as one of the world’s largest urban economies. The buses are compatible with RTA’s Public Transport Zero Emissions in Dubai 2050 Strategy to convert all buses, taxis and limousines to zero-emission vehicles, with a target of 100 percent conversion of public transport buses to electric and hydrogen-powered buses by 2050.”

According to Al Tayer, the contract includes the purchase of 40 electric buses from Zhongtong, with Gulf specifications that have been tested and proven in the region, and 450 city buses, including 400 MAN buses and 50 Zhongtong buses, all with high safety, comfort and quality standards. These buses are equipped with Euro 6 environmentally friendly engines and classified under the United Nations Vehicle Category Class II, which allows for flexibility in use on urban and intercity routes. The contract also includes 76 double-decker buses from Volvo and 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu to serve densely populated urban areas and new districts, improve geographical coverage and increase occupancy rates.

“Most of the buses will be equipped with the Driver Behaviour Monitoring System (Raqeeb) to monitor and improve driver behaviour using innovative technologies that enhance safety standards for buses. They will also be equipped with an Automated Passenger Counting (APC) system to record the actual number of passengers and compare it with the automated fare collection system to prevent fare evasion. They will also have an electronic Driver Identity Authentication system linked to the control system. Buses will have comfortable seats, high safety standards, adjustable seat belts in family areas and a sleek design that reflects the modernity of Dubai,” said Al Tayer.

Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, said: “The purchase of the new buses is focused on compatibility with the latest global standards, including compliance with European specifications for carbon emissions, low floors for easy access for people of determination, bicycle racks, special seats for children, Wi-Fi service, mobile phone charging points and intelligent systems to provide the best services to public transport users, with excellent interior finishes and wide seats.”