UAE Authority signs contract for 316 new buses

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The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed a contract for procuring 316 multi-size buses compatible to the European low carbon emissions on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Mena Transport Congress and Exhibition 2018 in Dubai.

The total cost of the buses fitted with Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines is around Dh465 million.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the RTA by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, and by Suwaidan Saeed Al Naboodah, managing director of Al Naboodah Group Enterprises, on behalf of Optare Company. United Motors and Heavy Equipment Company CEO Khalifa Saif Al Kutbi and Famco CEO Nigel Johnson also signed the contract.

"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," said Mattar Al Tayer, RTA director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors.

The contract covers the procurement of 143 deluxe Volvo which will be deployed to cope with the expansion of inter-city bus service to Abu Dhabi and northern cities. The contract also 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 improving occupancy rates.

The 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 ports for charging mobile phones, footrest, and cup holder to provide added convenience to riders.

The double-deck MAN buses can accommodate 100 riders and are equipped with free internet service and USB ports for charging mobile phones.

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 ports as well as convenient deluxe seats.