Roads & Transport Authority - News Details

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has released the world's first sustainability report for public transport & roads in line with the new Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The move is part of RTA efforts to broaden the scope of sustainability.

Expressing his delight with the achievement, Nasir Bu Shehab, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Governance Sector, RTA, said, “The Report reaffirms RTA’s commitment to realising the principles of sustainability. It forms an integral part of the strategy and eight strategic goals of the RTA in support of the sustainable development drive in Dubai. It aims to transform Dubai into the world’s smartest and happiest city in line with the government’s efforts to provide a superior living to all.

"The mission of the RTA aims to develop integrated & sustainable transport systems and provide outstanding services to all in support Dubai's comprehensive development plans. This year’s Sustainability Report reflects our long-term sustainability vision and highlights our economic, environmental and social conduct. This is the second year we release the Sustainability Report, which this time conforms to the new standards for the Global Reporting Initiatives issued in October 2016. It reflects to all stakeholders our commitment to sustainability effectively, and enhances the confidence they repose in the RTA as a public entity,” noted Bu Shehab.

"The RTA is keen to ensure that all its projects are sustainable and have the least potentially negative impacts on the environment, economy and the society. The Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro highlight such projects, which have reduced the carbon footprint by encouraging community members to shift from using private transport means for using mass transit modes. Other examples include the clean energy projects such as electric cars, electric abras, solar-powered abras, and hybrid taxis, not to mention the water recycling projects. The number of public transport users increased from 543.6 million riders in 2016 to 551.7 million riders in 2017,” he continued. 

“The RTA, noted Bu Shehab, was among the first government entities in the region to obtain the ISO 50001:2011 Energy Management Certification, and develop an integrated structure for the green economy. It has garnered many awards including the Green World Awards in recognition of its efforts in cutting the environmental impact of all operations and projects.”

“At the social level, RTA launched more than 40 community initiatives in 2016, to the benefit of more than 5.5 million people from the UAE and beyond. These initiatives, which contributed to enhancing the quality of life of various community segments, including ‘Read More’ initiative, which has raised the footfall at libraries in metro stations. We also pay paramount attention to the people of determination by meeting their needs in various transport means such as the tram, metro, public buses, marine transit modes and taxis in order to make their mobility easier on the one hand and integrate them into the UAE society on the other,” he added.

"The RTA is committed to playing an active role in the Emiratisation plan in accordance with the government guidelines. More than 50% of RTA’s employees are UAE nationals, 75% of them are aged between 20 and 30," said Bu Shehab. "It signals our commitment to encourage young people to join the RTA to achieve sustainability through young cadres. The financial sustainability is one of RTA’s eight goals, and we are striving to increase investments & revenues, and reduce costs of infrastructure networks and services we provide.”

“RTA’s Sustainability Report is part of channels of communication with partners & stakeholders to showcase initiatives, projects and achievements of RTA and its future sustainability plans. The report also illustrates RTA’s commitment to enhancing "People’s Happiness," and providing a better life for future generations,” said Bu Shehab in a final remark