The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has announced a contract worth AED1.1 billion for the purchase of 636 new buses.

The deal aims to support several key objectives for the emirate. These include enhancing the well-being of Dubai’s residents and visitors, strengthening the city’s position as a hub for international events, and contributing to the targets set in the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.

RTA Dubai disclosed the information through their official social media account on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

RTA signs AED1.1 billion deal for 636 new buses, aiming to enhance the well-being of the people, boost Dubai's global competitiveness as a hub for international events, and achieve the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 targets. 

The buses, set for delivery in 2024 and 2025, will comply with European low carbon emission standards.

“The procurement of these new buses is part of a master plan to elevate the public transport system in Dubai to bring it in line with the top international standards. Our goal is to offer best-in-class services to public transport users and accommodate the sustained growth of public bus ridership. The deal illustrates RTA’s determination to make public transport the preferred mobility mode for residents to increase the share of public transport journeys to 25 percent by 2030. Achieving such a target requires the provision of high-quality public transport means characterised by wide geographical coverage and integrated multi-modal transit systems,” Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, said.

The initiative aligns with Dubai’s goal to increase public transport journeys to 25 percent by 2030 and supports the UAE’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.

The contract includes 40 electric buses from Zhongtong, 450 city service buses from MAN and Zhongtong, 76 double-decker buses from Volvo, and 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu.

“Most of the buses will be equipped with the Driver Behaviour Monitoring System (Raqeeb), () to monitor and improve driver conduct using innovative technologies that enhance bus safety standards. They will also feature an Automated Passenger Counting (APC) system to record actual passenger numbers and match them against the automated fare collections to curb fare evasion. They also have an electronic Driver Identity Authentication system linked to the operating system. Buses have comfortable seating, high safety standards, adjustable seat belts in family areas, and a sleek design reflecting Dubai’s modernity,” Al Tayer said.

The RTA has developed a fuel consumption testing system, the UAE Fuel Consumption Protocol, to compare efficiency among different bus types.

This procurement is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to improve public transport and achieve sustainability goals, as outlined in the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and the Public Transport Zero Emissions in Dubai 2050 Strategy.

“The purchase of the new buses focused on the compatibility with the latest global standards, including compliance with European carbon emissions specifications, low floors for easy access of people of determination, bike racks, special seating for children, Wi-Fi service, mobile phone charging points, and intelligent systems to provide the best services to public transport users, featuring outstanding interior finishes and wide seats,” Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency said.