The highly sophisticated buses are fitted with the environment-friendly Euro 4 Engines
Dubai (UAE): The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) launched the service of double deck bus service, fitted with the latest technological features such as Euro 4 engines customized to meet highest environmental specifications. The buses are also equipped with a unique I-Shift transmission system, and advanced braking & Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The service, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East, links Al-Ghubaiba Station in Dubai with Al-Jubail Station in Sharjah & vice versa. They are bound to uplift the level of service on this route, which is a subject of an increasing demand for bus service between Dubai & Sharjah.
Commenting on the event, Abdul Aziz Malik, CEO of Dubai Taxi Agency and Acting CEO of Public Transport Agency, said: "We have launched this service, ahead of the scheduled date which was set as next September, and we will continue beef up our double deck bus fleet between Dubai & Sharjah such that we will have around 70 buses over the next months, including 15 buses penciled down for operation on this route next September. This demonstrates the huge attention paid by the RTA to Dubai - Sharjah route, which attracts considerable numbers of commuters shuttling between the two emirates for work or residence.
"This service reflects RTA incessant efforts to contemplate introduction of several environment-friendly projects & services. This comes in the context of implementing Dubai Government Strategic Plan aspiring to create a safe, clean, attractive and sustainable environment to keep up with the high profile enjoyed by the emirate. It also demonstrates RTA commitment to preserve lives, properties, environment, and natural wealth. Furthermore, it indicates RTA concern for raising the standards of occupational health & public safety, and adopt technology capable of suppressing noise levels resulting from transport modes. These buses have highly developed environmental specifications and sophisticated braking & stability systems rendering driving an easy and safe exercise, let alone their efficient fuel consumption.
"RTA is proceeding ahead with the pilot operation of 10 hybrid environment-friendly vehicles, type Chevrolet Tahoe & Malibu; which were recently inaugurated in association with General Motors Co. These vehicles use twin engines (electricity and fuel operated engines) and experimental operation is in hand according to plan, and the initial results are encouraging. The gist of this initiative revolves around implementation of the currently available modern technology to curb pollution from vehicle exhausts. It seeks to improve the quality of fuel used in public buses, and apply the global standards governing gas emissions to vehicles in Dubai.
"RTA has recently taken delivery of 10 modern Toyota Camry vehicles fitted with hybrid engines from Al-Futtaim Motors in Dubai to join Dubai Taxi fleet. These vehicles will be subject to experimental operation for one year. RTA is also coordinating with a host of international manufactures of hybrid cars including Honda & Ford, with a view to engage in partnerships with them in operating environment-friendly vehicles.
"RTA is contemplating a sweeping renovation of mass transit systems in the emirate to make them more environment-friendly. A work team was formed to oversee replacing the existing taxi & public bus fleets with environment-friendly vehicles fitted with hybrid engines. The drive also covers replacing the existing abra engines with gas (CNG) operated engines; which marks the first step in a transition towards having environment-friendly transit modes in Dubai. RTA hybrid team is focusing on achieving four key objectives, namely: adopting the existing technology to minimize pollution from vehicle exhausts, improving the quality of fuel used in public buses, applying international standards governing gas emissions in Dubai, and introducing hybrid environment-friendly vehicles in Dubai" added Malik.
Abdullah Yousuf Al Ali, Director of Bus Department at RTA Public Transport Agency said: "No doubt the level of service on Dubai-Sharjah route will receive a big boost with the introduction of double deck buses, procured by the RTA from world class suppliers. These buses have sophisticated technical & technological specifications, highest safety and security standards, and a statistical system to count bus commuters. These buses will be linked with RTA Control Center through a Global Positioning System; a matter which will enhance the efficiency of service offered on this route. These buses are also fitted with internal & external high definition electronic display monitors.
"These buses are also fitted with the latest and highly advanced features to enable special need persons board the buses together with their wheel chairs, and easily move from place to place; a matter which enhances their integration in the community in a smooth manner
"Launching this vital service is meant to lure the public to use mass transit modes between the two emirates. This service is a true indicator of the commitment of Public Transport Agency to work tirelessly to provide modern public transport systems. This is also envisaged in upgrading infrastructure and service to meet present and future requirements resulting from the rapid growth rate in the UAE in general and Dubai in particular.
"This step is in line with the vision of the RTA to provide safe and smooth transport for all. It is based on the new strategy and future plans of the RTA which align public transport system with future development, and meet the increasing mobility requirements as well as the quantity and quality public transport systems.
"This step also backs RTA efforts to develop and expand bus network between Dubai and other emirates, and contribute to meeting RTA objectives which focus on providing residents & visitors with state-of-the-art transit modes for commuting between Dubai and other places of the UAE in a smooth, convenient and safe manner. It will also enhance the profile of Dubai as a regional trade & economic hub and a heaven for investors & businessmen from all corners of the globe" concluded Al Ali.
It is worth-noting that RTA put out a tender last year for purchasing 620 buses, including 170 double deck buses and it is anticipated that RTA will take delivery of all buses contained in this contract by March next year.
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© Press Release 2008
