The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract for 636 new buses, adhering to European low carbon emissions standards (Euro 6). Among these, 40 electric buses will be introduced, marking the UAE’s largest and first fleet of its kind. Deliveries are scheduled for 2024 and 2025.
This initiative aligns with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s directives to create a sustainable and resilient public transport system, enhancing residents’ and visitors’ movement. It also supports the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and the UAE’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050. Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General, emphasized the goal to elevate Dubai’s public transport to international standards, aiming for public transport to account for 25% of journeys by 2030.
The new buses, including 40 electric buses from Zhongtong and 450 city service buses (400 from MAN and 50 from Zhongtong), meet high safety and comfort standards. Additionally, 76 double-decker buses from Volvo and 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu will serve high-density areas.
Al Tayer highlighted that the procurement aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, aiming to position Dubai as a top global urban economy. This move demonstrates RTA’s commitment to high-quality public transport, characterized by extensive coverage and integrated multi-modal transit systems, targeting a complete transition to electric and hydrogen-powered buses by 2050.
“Most of the buses will be equipped with the Driver Behaviour Monitoring System (Raqeeb), to monitor and improve driver conduct using innovative technologies that enhance bus safety standards. They will also feature an Automated Passenger Counting (APC) system to record actual passenger numbers and match them against the automated fare collections to curb fare evasion.” Al Tayer concluded.
