Dubai to Replace Buses in 4 Areas
A senior official from the Roads and Transport Authority has confirmed that Dubai will slowly replace traditional buses with electric ones in four areas of the city.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, who is the CEO of RTA's Public Transport Agency, announced that 40 electric buses will be acquired and added to RTA's collection of vehicles. The goal is to slowly implement electric buses and convert the entire fleet to be eco-friendly by 2050, following the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy.
In addition to acquiring battery-powered buses, the RTA will also make sure to set up essential electric charging infrastructure, Bahrozyan stated.
Areas designated for testing or implementing new initiatives or programs
Electric buses will start running on four specific routes, such as Business Bay, Al Ghubaiba, Al Satwa, and Al Jafiliya, in the beginning. Bahrozyan pointed out that the routes were selected due to their appropriateness for electric bus use, taking into account factors such as range and the presence of charging infrastructure at shelter stations or along the routes.
The RTA recently disclosed that new buses will have Raqeeb of Driver Behaviour Monitoring System installed to observe and enhance driver behavior. An APC system will be implemented to reduce fare evasion. The system functions by tallying real passenger counts and comparing them to the automated fare collection.
Fares remain the same
Fares will remain unchanged in regions where electric buses will replace diesel buses.
Electric bus prices differ based on the kind, producer, and characteristics. He mentioned that in general they cost more than regular diesel buses, but fares for passengers will stay the same.
The number of passengers that electric buses can carry depends on the type of bus, including single or double-deck buses, or buses with trailers. The ability will be equivalent to diesel buses, with regular single-deck buses holding 35 seated riders or up to 70 riders including standing room. He noted that the electric bus's ability to travel distances is influenced by both its battery size and type.
Bahrozyan also confirmed that electric buses are well-suited and perform optimally, even in the extreme summer heat.
Before starting the procurement process, the RTA tested electric buses to establish technical specifications, assess charging technologies, and meet operational needs.
Electric buses will not harm the environment in any direct way. He added that the introduction of electric buses to RTA's fleet is expected to result in a decrease of around 3,900 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
Bahrozyan stated that traditional buses will be repurposed in accordance with RTA's strategic plan, in line with sustainability and environmentally friendly criteria.
Explore Dubai's latest transportation innovations- Learn how bus substitutions will improve your commuting experience in four important areas! Stay informed with Just Dubai to receive additional updates on news.
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