Roads & Transport Authority - News Details

 

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, has witnessed the signing of a contract for procuring 316 multi-size buses compatible to the European low carbon emissions. The total cost of these buses, which are fitted with Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines for the first time in the MENA region, is about AED465 million dirham. The signing took place on the sidelines of the MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition 2018. 

The agreement was signed on behalf of the RTA by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, and on behalf of Optare Company by Suwaidan Saeed Al Naboodah, MD of Al Naboodah Group Enterprises. For United Motors & Heavy Equipment Company L.L.C signed Khalifa Saif Al Kutbi, CEO of the Company, and for Famco, signed the CEO Nigel Johnson.

“The procurement of the new buses is part of a master plan set out to upgrade mass transit systems in Dubai and keep them aligned with the highest global practices. The plan also calls for providing best-in-class services to mass transit users and keeping abreast of the sustained growth of ridership of these modes. It conforms to RTA’s endeavours to make public transport the ideal mobility choice of people and push the share of public transport in people mobility to as much as 30% by 2030,” said Al Tayer. “

Safety and Luxury
The contract covers the procurement of 143 deluxe VOLVO coaches boasting of luxurious and high-quality standards. These buses will be deployed to cope with the expansion of inter-city bus service to Abu Dhabi and northern cities. The contract includes 79 double-deck MAN buses to serve urban areas with high-density riders, in addition to 94 medium-size OPTARE buses to serve new communities with the aim of widening the geographical coverage in Dubai and improving occupancy rates. 

Inter-City VOLVO coaches are fitted with Euro 6 power efficient engines with low carbon emissions. Each bus can accommodate 55 riders and has an automated hydraulic lift for serving People of Determination. These coaches also offer free internet service, USB portals for charging mobile phones, footrest, and cup holder to provide added convenience to riders. 

The Double-Deck MAN bus can accommodate 100 riders and is also equipped with free internet service and USB portals for charging mobile phones. These buses boast of modern design offering improved accessibility between decks, streamlined internal passenger movement, and customised design to serve People of Determination. 

The procurement of mid-sized OPTARE buses is a new initiative marking the debut of this type of buses in RTA’s bus fleet. They are intended to offer a wider coverage of internal areas which are not easily accessible to large buses. Each bus can accommodate 33 riders and is fitted with free internet service and USB portals for charging mobile phones as well as convenient deluxe seats. 

Suwaidan Al Naboodah, said, “OPTARE is one of the leading global companies in the manufacturing of buses in the UK. It is specialised in the supply of light and efficient buses fitted with a host of features. They include a full stainless steel structure, and the design of front wheels provides extra capacity to take more riders. These buses are fitted with Euro 5 engines, automatic transmission, and allow for wheelchairs for people of determination rendering them fit for urban mobility. 

Khalifa Al Kutbi said, “MAN double-deck buses are light on weight, thanks to the aluminium body. They have bigger capacity, conform to the European Carbon Emissions and are friendly to the people of determination. 

European Standards
Nigel Johnson said, “VOLVO inter-city buses have Euro 6 engine, the latest in the diesel engines characterised by minimal emissions. The buses are fitted with the state-of-the-art safety features and boast of three special features namely: alert when moving off the lane, emergency braking system and automated cruise control. 

Bahrozyan said, “These buses are compliant with the European Emission Standards (Euro 5 and Euro 6); which reflects RTA’s commitment to conserve the environment, optimise the use of energy and reduce the carbon footprint. Safety and Environmental Sustainability is an integral part of RTA’s strategic goals. 

“These buses are characterised by low-floor access to ease the boarding of People of Determination, top-notch services for public transport riders, high-end interior finishing and roomy seats. They also boast of children-designated seats, WiFi service, and USB portals for charging smartphones as well as smart connectivity.”