A public bus in Dubai. RTA

Dubai has signed a Dh1.1 billion deal to introduce 636 buses with a smart system to curb fare evasion and monitor drivers while meeting the emirate’s target towards sustainable public transport. The new fleet will include 40 electric buses—the first of their kind in the UAE, as well as 450 city service buses, and 146 additional buses designed for high-density urban areas. Out of 636 new buses, 76 will be double-deckers and 70 will be articulated. The new buses, adhering to Euro 6 standards for low carbon emissions, will be delivered between 2024 and 2025. This initiative aligns with directives from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is overseen by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said Dubai hopes to increase public transport usage to 25 percent by 2030. Al Tayer said one of the unique features of the new buses is the Automated Passenger Counting system, which can record actual passenger numbers and match them against the automated fare collections to curb fare evasion. The buses will also have smart technology to keep a strict eye on drivers, with the Driver Behaviour Monitoring System and an electronic Driver Identity Authentication system linked to the operating system. Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, emphasized that the buses will meet global standards, featuring low floors for accessibility, special seats for children, bike racks, Wi-Fi, and charging points, ensuring the best services for public transport users. ICA/Expat Media
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