Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded contracts worth Dh465 million ($126.5 million) for the procurement of 316 multi-size buses compliant with the European Emission Standards featuring Euro 5 and Euro 6 buses.

With this, the fleet of RTA buses will rise to 2085 buses by 2019.

“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 per cent by 2030,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of RTA.

“Achieving such objectives requires offering high-quality public transport options at affordable rates and with a wide geographical coverage. It also requires raising the public awareness, transforming the culture of using mass transit means, and boosting the integration of all public transport means including buses, metro, tram, taxis and marine transit modes,” he added.

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, wi-fi service, and USB portals for charging smartphones as well as smart connectivity.

Contracts cover 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.

The RTA was the pioneer in GCC countries in using the Standardised On-Road Test (SORT) to compare fuel consumption between different buses. The Pre-Qualification of suppliers was based on standards including the ability to manufacture, supply and maintain buses according to approved international standards as well as the financial solvency of local dealers.

The introduction of Asset Acquisition Cost concept as a criterion for the assessment & procurement of buses contributes to enhancing the principles of financial and environmental sustainability of buses and ensuring the operational efficiency throughout the lifetime of buses. – TradeArabia News Service