Dubai is set to enhance its public transport network with 636 new buses under a Dh1.1 billion contract awarded by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The buses, which comply with European specifications and have low carbon emissions, will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
This new fleet includes 40 electric buses, marking the largest and first of their kind in the UAE.
RTA Director General and Chairman Mattar Al Tayer said, "The new deal will aid in increasing the share of public transport journeys to 25 per cent by 2030 and making public transport the preferred mode of mobility."
The buses will feature advanced technology, including a Driver Behaviour Monitoring System (Raqeeb) to improve driver conduct and safety, Automated Passenger Counting (APC) to record passenger numbers and curb fare evasion and Driver Identity Authentication linked to the operating system.
Al Tayer added, "The buses are compatible with RTA's Public Transport Zero Emissions in Dubai 2050 Strategy," targeting a complete conversion of public transport buses to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2050.
The contract includes purchasing 40 electric buses from Zhongtong and 450 city service buses, including 400 from MAN (a Volkswagen subsidiary) and 50 from Zhongtong. Additionally, 76 double-decker buses from Volvo and 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu will be included to serve high-density urban areas and new districts.
The new buses meet Gulf specifications and are fitted with Euro 6 environmentally friendly engines, classified under the United Nations Vehicle Category Class II, allowing flexibility in operation on urban and inter-urban routes.
The Dh1.1 billion deal aligns with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.