The Statistics compiled by Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) revealed that public buses operated by RTA Public Transport Agency have lifted in the first half of this year around 47 million passengers through more than 981 thousand trips in 70 routes, compared to 45.5 million passengers lifted in the same period last year i.e. an increased bus ridership of 1.5 million passengers.
Abdullah Yousuf Al Ali, Director of Buses Dep’t at RTA Public Transport Agency, stated that the Agency is currently engaged in developing an integrated plan to upgrade the level of services provided by public buses. “This is envisaged in inaugurating the service of a number of new buses, such as articulated and double-deck buses imported from the best suppliers across the world, which will enable us cover 95% of Dubai urban area within less than three years. We will also be introducing state-of-the- art inter-city buses to link the emirate of Dubai with the Capital City Abu Dhabi, as well as emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah & Al-Fujairah. Other key cities will also be covered by this service such as Al-Ain, Al-Dhaid, Massafi and Jebel Ali†he added.
“Last year RTA put out tenders for supplying 620 buses, including 170 double-deck buses, 300 articulated buses and 150 standard buses. So far we have received 14 double deck buses, 215 articulated buses and 150 standards buses. It is anticipated that RTA will take delivery of all buses (620 buses) in March 2009.
“Earlier this year, Public Transport Agency invited international businesses to take part in a tender for supplying 1616 new and highly advanced buses to beef up its current public bus fleet in a bid to broaden and enhance the role of mass transit in the emirate of Dubai. Consequently 9 world-class companies have tendered their offers. We have finalized assessment of offers submitted and the financial assessment is still in progress.
“All Departments of Public Transport Agency are always seeking to raise the standard of business conduct through adopting innovative solutions based on the strategic initiatives launched by the RTA out of its vision to provide ‘safe and smooth transport for all’. They are also endeavouring to upgrade the quality of services rendered to the public in a way compatible with the growing profile of Dubai at the regional & global level, and the phenomenal growth rate enjoyed by the commercial, economic, service, financial, property, tourist and other vital fields in the emirate.
“To ensure delivery of optimum services to all users of public buses, the Agency has finalized Bus Master Plan; where recommendations were made to overhaul public bus services. The scheme covers several aspects tailored to provide swift and safe services using latest technologies such as AVM & OCC, develop public transit network, enhance operational efficiency & effectiveness, specify bus requirements & technical standards, identify the proper infrastructure needed, and assess & develop the existing fare structures. Aspects covered also include upgrading the quality of public information, utilizing the technological alternatives and building six new bus warehouses; namely Jebel Ali Station, Al-Qouz Station, Motor City Station, Dubai Silicon Valley Station, Jebel Airport Station and Al-Qusais Station†said Al Ali in a final remark.
It is worth-mentioning that Public Transport Agency managed to lift more than 6.5 million passengers in more than 206 thousand trips on board Inter-City buses covering 16 routes during the first half of this year.
