The buses are equipped with the best technologies and highest security & safety standards
Dubai - Roads & Transport Authority: H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the arrival of the first batch of the new articulated buses (single and bi-articulated buses) purchased by the RTA in a deal that includes 80 buses, 51 of which are bi-articulated buses and 29 are single articulated buses at a cost of more than AED one billion. This initiative stems as part of the integrated strategic plan developed by the RTA to revamp mass transit modes in the emirate of Dubai, with a view to lure more commuters and as such contribute to minimizing traffic bottlenecks.
"Through provision of advanced, high quality and cost-effective buses with an extensive geographical coverage, the RTA is seeking to increase the percentage of trips made by mass transit systems to 30% by 2020 and enhance integration between the various mass transport modes such as public buses, metro and marine transport" Al Tayer said.
H.E. Al Tayer inspected the buses and formally launched them. Each bi-articulated bus can accommodate 160 passengers while the single articulated bus can house 110 passengers. He added that the new buses are equipped with hi-tech and highest security and safety standards. The buses have been specially designed to meet the requirements of people with special needs as they have low-floors rising only 38 cm above the ground level (compared to the standard buses rising 100 cm above the ground which need 3 steps to board the flat floor). The entrance of the second door of the articulated bus has been designed with a sliding-proof floor to assist embarkation and disembarkation from the bus. The entrance leads directly to the location designated for the wheel chairs of people with special needs or prams.
The Chairman of the board and executive director of the RTA stated that the new buses are equipped with sophisticated technological systems such as the vocal announcement of the following stop and the name of the stop. It has also a statistical system to count the number of bus passengers and automatically assess demand on the various bus routes. The new buses are provided with bus-positioning system linked to the Control Center in the Agency.
He added that the buses are fitted with giant screens (240 X1900mm) on the front part of the vehicle enabling passengers a clear & a distant view of the destination of the bus, pass and route number. The buses are also provided with three screens on the right, left and rear sides of the buses measuring 190X1100mm which indicate the destination of the bus along with the route number in both Arabic & Languages. The interiors of the buses are fitted with internal display monitors at the back of driver's seat and behind the second and third of the articulated bus displaying the bus stops, path and route number.
H.E. Al Tayer said that the RTA has developed a plan to revamp the public transport buses that includes buying 620 buses at a cost exceeding one billion dirham to be delivered in 2007 and 2008. Accordingly the number of buses will rise to 1200 buses by 2008 including 170 double deckers, 300 articulated buses, 70 ordinary standard buses, 30 airport buses and 50 medium buses. He pointed out that 150 ordinary buses will be provided in December 2007 and June 2008. Moreover, 300 articulated buses will be provided in August 2007 and June 2008 while 170 double decker buses will be delivered in September 2007 and December 2008.
"The arrival of these buses is synchronized with the ongoing process of constructing air-conditioned public bus shelters in more than 500 locations. Such shelters provide comfort and excellent services to the bus commuters particularly in summer season. A number of services and facilities will be provided in such shelters such as ATM, vending machines for newspapers, snacks and soft drinks. They are additionally equipped with 3 recycling units for paper, glass and metals.
Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of Public Transport Agency toured the new buses accompanied by journalists, media representatives and RTA officials. The RTA team included Abdulla Yousuf Al Ali, Director of Public Transport Buses, Eng. Khalid Hashim, Director Business Planning & Development, Public Transport Agency and Dr. Aysha Al Busmait Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication. During the tour Al Mulla highlighted the technical specifications and areas to be served by the new buses. He also elaborated on the intensive training courses to which drivers have been subjected, particularly the drivers of the articulated and double decker buses as the buses are the first of their kind in the region, requiring high calibre drivers.
-Ends-
© Press Release 2007
