Dubai Acquires 636 Buses in Dh1.1bn Public Transport Initiative
New buses, including electric and high-capacity models, aim to enhance sustainability and reduce traffic congestion in Dubai
Dubai Expands Public Transport Fleet with 636 New Buses Under Dh1.1bn Initiative
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a major expansion of its public transport fleet with the procurement of 636 new buses, as part of a Dh1.1 billion initiative aimed at reducing traffic congestion and enhancing environmental sustainability.
The new fleet is set to make a significant impact on Dubai’s public transportation network, introducing a variety of bus types to meet diverse needs and improve service across the city. This initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to modernizing its transport infrastructure and promoting greener, more efficient travel options.
Details of the New Fleet:
The RTA’s investment includes 450 city service buses designed with accessibility in mind. These buses feature low floors to facilitate easy access for disabled passengers and special seating arrangements for children. This design ensures that public transport remains inclusive and accessible to all residents.
Additionally, the fleet will comprise 146 articulated and double-decker buses, which are ideal for high-density areas where increased capacity is necessary. The articulated buses are designed to navigate busy urban routes efficiently, while the double-decker buses provide additional seating and enhance the overall capacity of the network.
A notable feature of this expansion is the inclusion of 40 electric buses. These buses, supplied by the Chinese firm Zhongtong, are specifically built to meet Gulf specifications and have been tested in the region. They represent a crucial step towards Dubai’s goal of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, aligning with the city’s broader environmental objectives.
Timeline and Implementation:
The new buses are scheduled to be delivered progressively throughout the remainder of 2024 and into 2025. This phased approach allows for a smooth integration into the existing public transport system and ensures that each type of bus can be deployed to the areas where they are needed most.
Strategic Objectives:
Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General of the RTA, emphasized that the procurement of these buses is part of a comprehensive master plan to elevate Dubai’s public transport system to meet top international standards. The goal is to increase the share of public transport journeys to 25 percent by 2030, a significant shift that requires high-quality, well-integrated transit options.
The RTA’s long-term vision includes a complete transition to zero-emission vehicles, with a focus on converting all buses, taxis, and limousines to electric and hydrogen-powered models by 2050. This ambitious goal underscores Dubai’s commitment to sustainability and its proactive approach to addressing climate change.
Technological Enhancements:
The new buses will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to improve safety and passenger experience. This includes the Driver Behaviour Monitoring System (Raqeeb), which aims to enhance driver conduct and ensure high safety standards. The buses will also feature Automated Passenger Counting (APC) systems and automated fare collections, streamlining operations and providing valuable data for service optimization.
Other passenger-friendly features include bike racks to encourage eco-friendly travel options, on-board Wi-Fi to enhance connectivity, and mobile phone charging points to cater to the needs of modern commuters.
Environmental and Operational Efficiency:
The buses will be fitted with Euro 6 engines, which are known for their low emissions and compliance with stringent environmental standards. They are classified under the United Nations Vehicle Category Class II, which allows for versatile use on both urban and inter-urban routes.
The RTA has also implemented a special fuel consumption testing system known as the UAE Fuel Consumption Protocol. This system evaluates the fuel efficiency of different bus types, ensuring that the new buses meet global standards for financial and environmental sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency.
Impact on Public Transport:
The expansion of Dubai’s public transport fleet is expected to significantly enhance the city’s transit infrastructure. By increasing the availability of high-quality buses and expanding service coverage, the RTA aims to encourage more residents to use public transport, thereby reducing reliance on private vehicles and contributing to overall traffic reduction.
The introduction of these new buses represents a major step forward in Dubai’s efforts to modernize its public transport system, support sustainable travel practices, and improve the quality of life for its residents. As the city continues to grow, the RTA’s investments in transit infrastructure will play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban mobility in Dubai.
