Dubai’s RTA announces massive $299mn contract for 636 new buses to boost urban development
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has announced a significant contract worth AED 1.1 billion for the procurement of 636 new buses.
Objectives of the Purchase
This deal aims to support several key objectives for the emirate, including enhancing the well-being of Dubai’s residents and visitors, strengthening the city’s position as a hub for international events, and contributing to the targets set in the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.
Announcement Details
RTA Dubai disclosed the information through their official social media account on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
Delivery and Standards
The buses, set for delivery in 2024 and 2025, will comply with European low carbon emission standards.
Vision and Goals
“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. 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 percent by 2030. Achieving such a target requires the provision of high-quality public transport means characterised by wide geographical coverage and integrated multi-modal transit systems,” Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA.
Alignment with Sustainability Goals
This initiative aligns with Dubai’s goal to increase public transport journeys to 25 percent by 2030 and supports the UAE’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.
Details of the Bus Procurement
The contract includes the following:
- 40 electric buses from Zhongtong
- 450 city service buses from MAN and Zhongtong
- 76 double-decker buses from Volvo
- 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu
Enhanced Safety and Technology
“Most of the buses will be equipped with the Driver Behaviour Monitoring System (Raqeeb) to monitor and improve driver conduct using innovative technologies that enhance bus safety standards. They will also feature an Automated Passenger Counting (APC) system to record actual passenger numbers and match them against the automated fare collections to curb fare evasion. They also have an electronic Driver Identity Authentication system linked to the operating system. Buses have comfortable seating, high safety standards, adjustable seat belts in family areas, and a sleek design reflecting Dubai’s modernity,” Al Tayer added.
Fuel Efficiency Testing
The RTA has developed a fuel consumption testing system, the UAE Fuel Consumption Protocol, to compare efficiency among different bus types.
Strategic Alignment
This procurement is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to improve public transport and achieve sustainability goals, as outlined in the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and the Public Transport Zero Emissions in Dubai 2050 Strategy.
Focus on Compatibility and User Experience
“The purchase of the new buses focused on compatibility with the latest global standards, including compliance with European carbon emissions specifications, low floors for easy access for people of determination, bike racks, special seating for children, Wi-Fi service, mobile phone charging points, and intelligent systems to provide the best services to public transport users, featuring outstanding interior finishes and wide seats,” said, CEO of the Public Transport Agency.
Reference: Arabian Business
