Dubai is stepping up its sustainability efforts in public transportation. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has invested Dhs1.1 billion in 636 new buses, designed to meet European standards for low carbon emissions. This includes 40 electric buses, the largest fleet of its kind in the UAE, supporting the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and boosting the city’s global competitiveness.
These new buses are equipped with Euro 6 engines, classified under the United Nations Vehicle Category Class II, suitable for both urban and inter-urban routes. The addition includes 76 Volvo double-decker buses and 70 Isuzu Anadolu articulated buses, aimed at serving densely populated urban areas and expanding geographic coverage.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, stated that this acquisition is part of a master plan to elevate Dubai’s public transport system to international standards. The initiative aims to make public transport the preferred mode of travel, targeting a 25% increase in public transport journeys by 2030. These buses align with the UAE’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050 and Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to establish Dubai as one of the world’s leading urban economies.
The buses feature innovative technologies such as the Driver Behaviour Monitoring System (Raqeeb), Automated Passenger Counting (APC) systems, and an electronic Driver Identity Authentication system. They also offer comfortable seating, high safety standards, adjustable seat belts, low floors for easy access, bike racks, special seating for children, Wi-Fi, mobile phone charging points, and intelligent systems to enhance the user experience.
