RTA Announces AED 1.1Bn Deal For Eco-Friendly Buses To Enhance Sustainable Public Transport

Dubai has announced an AED 1.1 billion deal for new buses with low carbon emissions under the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The initiative is aimed at creating a sustainable and reliable public transport system for residents and visitors.

This project aims to enhance the well-being of individuals, elevate Dubai's global standing for hosting events, and meet the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 targets. Under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract for the purchase of 636 buses of various sizes.

These buses meet European standards for low carbon emissions (Euro 6) and include 40 electric buses, which will be the first and largest of their kind in the UAE. The buses will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.

"The procurement of these new buses is part of a master plan to elevate the public transport system in Dubai to bring it in line with the top international standards," Mattar Al Tayer, RTA's Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, was quoted as saying by WAM.

"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 to increase the share of public transport journeys to 25% by 2030," he added.

Al Tayer noted that achieving this goal requires high-quality public transport with wide coverage and integrated multi-modal transit systems.

The new buses' technical specifications support the UAE's aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to make Dubai one of the world's largest urban economies.

The buses align with RTA's strategy to have all buses, taxis, and limousines in Dubai be zero-emission by 2050. This strategy targets 100% 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 and 450 city service buses with high safety, comfort, and quality standards.

Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, said the purchase of new buses is focused on the compatibility with the latest global standards, including compliance with European carbon emissions specifications, low floors for easy access of people of determination, bike racks, special seating for children, Wi-Fi service, mobile phone charging points and intelligent systems.