Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the launch of 94 fuel-efficient and low-carbon emission medium-sized buses of from the UK’s Optare brand, the first-of-its-kind in the UAE.
Compatible with the European Emission Standards (Euro 5), the buses will be deployed to 17 routes including residential areas and low-demand routes.
RTA said in a statement that the step is aligned with its efforts to make public transport the ideal choice of mobility in Dubai and raise the percentage of public transport journeys to 26 per cent by 2030. The requires providing public transport options characterised by high performance, affordable cost, and wide geographical coverage, it added.
“The delivery of the new batch of buses is part of RTA’s masterplan to improve public transport in Dubai and keep pace with the top international standards. Our objective is to deliver best-in-class services to public transport commuters and match the sustained growth in the number of riders,” said Al HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, during its launch.
Al Tayer also said that the new buses will be deployed in 17 routes; eight existing routes and nine new ones, especially metro link buses routes, low-demand routes, and residential areas which do not require large buses.
“The buses will serve new districts and widen the geographical coverage of public transport in Dubai, increase the occupancy rate, and enhance multi-modal integration,” he added.
Moreover, keeping in line with the European standards, the engines are characterised by low fuel consumption and low carbon emissions for less carbon footprints.
Meanwhile, the Optare buses can accommodate 32-seated passengers and 9 standees. They also have low-floor door entry for ‘people of determination’ with one seat allocated for them, as well as LED destination boards, internet service and USB charging spots, RTA added.
Optare is based close to Leeds in the UK and operates as part of the Hinduja Group through its parent, Ashok Leyland.
