RTA, Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority Team Up To Boost Mass Transit Solutions

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), met with a delegation from Ohio to boost relations and partnership between the RTA and its American counterparts.

The American delegation led by Blake Ethridge, Chairman of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), discussed with Al Tayer how American agencies and RTA can work together in areas such as mass transport, roads, integrated and user-friendly mobility applications, connected and real-time mobility systems and autonomous transport.

Al Tayer shared RTA's best practices in public transport and sustainable transport systems while discussing the expansion plans for mobility services.

The American delegation expressed its desire to work closely with the RTA to help fulfill the visions set forth by the Dubai government and the State of Ohio. The goal is to elevate both regions to become top international hubs for entrepreneurship and tourism, making them among the top-tier destinations for living around the world.

During the meeting, Al Tayer and Ethridge witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the RTA and SORTA. The agreement was signed on behalf of RTA by Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, and on behalf of SORTA by Darryl Healy, CEO and General Manager.

"Over the next phase, we will explore opportunities to develop public transport, primarily focusing on transport technology and innovation, the integration of transport systems and network design, outsourcing bus services, engaging the private sector, and sharing knowledge and best practices in planning & designing of bus stops and facilities," Al Tayer was quoted as saying by WAM.

"The two parties will also explore mutual benefits from advanced public transport planning methods and the use of modern software. The objectives of the strategic partnership with SORTA align with RTA's vision as The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility," he added.

He further said that this strategic agreement will unify shared interests and opportunities in various areas, including electric buses, hydrogen buses, rapid transit buses, dedicated lanes, and other bus priority systems.

Ethridge, on the other hand, said that they have achieved considerable ridership growth and transit-related infrastructure investment, resulting in record ridership recovery and growth in their Midwestern city, surpassing their peers.

He added that the collaboration with Dubai's RTA, known worldwide for its innovation and transformation, represents a new era of global transit partnerships.

RTA in May announced the completion of 45% of the works in the first contract for Phase 4 of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project.