Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT) today launched a two year programme designed to gradually overhaul the emirate's public transportation network and infrastructure in line with 'Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.'

The DoT plans to service Abu Dhabi with 1,360 high caliber, brand new, handicap-accessible, world-class buses by the end of 2010 and has already designed Abu Dhabi's future bus route network which will provide comprehensive coverage within cities and link the emirate's urban areas together.

"This programme aims to provide Abu Dhabi residents with the necessary public transport system and infrastructure in accordance with international standards. As the emirate's population will increase to 1.5 million people by 2010, the DoT is today sowing the seeds for a safe, sustainable, economically viable, efficient and lifestyle-enhancing transportation system that shall be the preferred mode of transport for the public," said H.E. Abdullah Rashid Al Otaiba, Chairman of the Department of Transport.

The project will be completed in phases starting June 30th with the gradual  deployment of 258 buses as a short-term solution, 125 of which are new and 133 are refurbished. This fleet will enter service gradually to service heavy traffic routes to immediately enhance commuter comfort and convenience, improve frequency and scheduled services.

A further 100 new buses are due to enter service in the first quarter of 2009 with subsequent phases following to cater for demand. All future phases aim to increase city, suburban and inter-city capacity by 50 per cent by the end of next year. 

The new buses will initially service four new routes, followed by six additional routes in August with the goal to operate on 21 high frequency routes by the beginning of 2009 covering most of Abu Dhabi Island.

"Today a new era in Abu Dhabi's public transportation history has dawned," said Mr Saeed Al Hameli, General Manager, Bus Office, Department of Transport.

"This is the first step on the long road ahead that will fuel further economic growth, contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions, enhance lifestyles and establish a sustainable public transportation system for all the people of Abu Dhabi to realize the forward-looking and comprehensive vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and under the guidance of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

"By 2030, Abu Dhabi will be home to 3.5 million people and our aim is to develop a comprehensive public transportation network that will be appealing to all segments of society. Our biggest challenge today is to encourage car owners to utilize the new facilities and infrastructure once they come on line," said Al Hameli.

"It's going to be a gradual process but Abu Dhabi residents and tourists will start seeing the changes next week, when headway - the time commuters will have to wait for the bus - will be reduced," he said.

Upon completion of the project, Abu Dhabi will boast one of the world's most modern bus fleets adhering to stringent environmental standards. The DoT is currently in discussions with major international vehicle manufacturers and a decision on the supplier of the state-of-the-art fleet is expected soon.

The department is also tendering the procurement and deployment of a sophisticated intelligent transport system (ITS) that will power data banking and  Operation Control Centers (OCC) to develop data and statistics to improve passenger information.

The project includes the renovation of the existing 12 bus stations and the development of 25 new bus stations strategically peppered across the emirate in line with projected demand growth. Over the next five years, the 37 bus stations will feature an array of retail, banking, food & beverage and other facilities designed to encourage the public use the bus as a preferred transportation mode. The plan includes the creation of six bus depots throughout the emirate to maintain the fleet's premium functionality and performance. 

The DoT is also studying the feasibility of the development of dedicated bus priority lines in key Abu Dhabi road arteries that would ensure smooth bus service flow and connectivity.

-Ends- 

About DOT
The Department of Transport (DOT) was established pursuant to Law No. 4 of year 2006 to cover the entire transport value chain and ensure fully coordinated planning in all aspects of transport policy and development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in cooperation with all relevant local, regional and international stakeholders and partners.  

For further information please contact:
Mahmoud Elasheri
Public Relations and Communications Consultant Department of Transport
Tel: 02 505 3273,
Email: Mahmoud.elasheri@dot.abudhabi.ae                      

George Kotsolios
Senior Director
GolinHarris
Tel: 04 332 3308,
Email: gkotsolios@golinharris.ae

© Press Release 2008