Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has received the first batch of 250 buses under a contract for 735 multi-size buses that comply with the European Euro 6 emissions standard.
The delivery includes 40 electric buses, marking the largest procurement of its kind in the UAE. The remaining buses will arrive by 2026.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), inspected the Zhongtong electric bus, the first to operate on Dubai’s routes.
The bus has been designed for Dubai’s operating conditions, with a single-charge operating range of up to 280 kilometres, enabling it to complete services without returning to depots for recharging. The battery capacity is 434 kilowatt-hours, supported by an ABB charger rated at 360 kilowatts.
During the inspection, Al Tayer received a briefing on the bus, which is 12 metres long and accommodates 70 passengers. The vehicle is equipped with a 360-degree camera system, meets international safety standards, holds certifications, and operates with a battery-cooling system suited to the UAE’s climate.
The bus underwent testing in Dubai for more than three months. The inspection and trial-operation phases delivered results in the stability of the electric propulsion system, energy-consumption efficiency, and the safety of systems including the battery, cooling and braking.
The trials confirmed operational performance on service routes, including energy efficiency, brake responsiveness, air-conditioning and cooling performance, and vehicle stability during stops and speed variations. The bus achieved a 95 per cent driver and passenger satisfaction rate.
“The procurement of the new buses forms part of the implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. These directives aim to deliver a sustainable and flexible public transport system that facilitates mobility for residents and visitors, enhances quality of life, strengthens Dubai’s global competitiveness as a leading destination for major international events, and supports the objectives of the Dubai Urban Plan 2040,” Al Tayer said in a statement.
“The initiative also forms part of an integrated strategic plan developed by RTA to advance Dubai’s public transport system in line with global best practices. The plan seeks to deliver the highest standards of service to public transport users and to keep pace with the continuous growth in ridership, to make public transport the preferred choice for residents,” he added.
“In the near future, there will be a gradual increase in the number of electric buses operating across the Emirate, in line with national directions to reduce the carbon footprint and achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and in support of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the world’s largest urban economies. These efforts also support RTA’s Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy 2050, which aims to convert all buses, taxis and limousine vehicles to zero-emission operation. Under this strategy, RTA seeks to transition 100% of public transport buses to electric and hydrogen power by 2050,” Al Tayer further explained.
Dubai transport authority receives first batch of 735-bus order with Euro 6 emission standards
The contract includes the procurement of 40 Zhongtong electric buses, built to Gulf specifications and tested in the region. It also covers 549 city-service buses, comprising 400 MAN buses and 149 Zhongtong buses, manufactured to standards of safety, comfort and quality.
These buses are equipped with Euro 6 engines and are classified as Class II under the United Nations vehicle classification system, providing flexibility for both routes and inter-urban services.
The contract also covers the purchase of 76 double-decker Volvo buses and 70 articulated Isuzu Anadolu buses to serve areas and districts, expanding Dubai’s service coverage and increasing occupancy rates.
Most buses are fitted with a Driver Behaviour Monitoring System that tracks and improves driver performance through technologies designed to enhance safety standards.
They are also equipped with an Automated Passenger Counting system, which records passenger numbers against the automated fare collection system to help reduce fare evasion, and a Driver Identity Authentication system integrated with the operating platform.
The buses feature seating, safety standards, and seat belts in family-designated areas to accommodate all age groups, along with a design that reflects Dubai’s image.
The buses are distinguished by systems that enhance safety and comfort, including driver behaviour monitoring, automated passenger counting, and driver identification linked to operating systems. They offer levels of safety and comfort, such as seating, seat belts, and interior design reflecting Dubai’s identity.
The design incorporates a low-floor entrance to facilitate access for People of Determination, seating for children, spaces for bicycles, Wi-Fi services, mobile phone charging points, and interior finishes. A fuel-consumption testing protocol, the first of its kind in the Gulf region, has been adopted, contributing to operational efficiency and financial and environmental sustainability.
