Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a contract worth Dh465 million ($126.5 million) for procuring 316 multi-size buses compatible to the European low carbon emissions on the sidelines of the Mena Transport Congress and Exhibition 2018.

. 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 dirham. The signing took place

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 the contract was signed by Khalifa Saif Al Kutbi, CEO of the company, and for Famco, Nigel Johnson, CEO signed the contract.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of RTA, said: “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.”

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 and automatic transmission.” – TradeArabia News Service