According to Essa Al Dossari, the CEO of the PTA, 10 Coach buses would ply on the route in the first phase. Eventually, there would be 55 buses on the route. The one-side fare is Dh20.

Dossari added initially, these buses will transport passengers to the capital and Al Ain and the service would be extended to more areas in the coming phases.

The 10 buses were bought at a cost of Dh128 million.

“This step is aimed at beefing up the inter-city transport sector. The RTA is seeking to increase the number of trips made by mass transit modes to 30 per cent, providing high-quality services at reasonable costs and covering a wider geographical area to reduce the dependence on private vehicles.”

Besides, the RTA is also trying to raise awareness, change the people’s attitude towards using mass transit modes, and enhance the integration of the mass transit modes such as public buses, Dubai Metro and marine transport, he added.

The new coaches are built using the best technology with the highest security and safety standards.

The designs are customised to meet the requirements of special needs persons as these buses are fitted with purpose-built entry and seating points onboard.

The coaches have top-class luxury standards and are fitted with seats emulating aircraft’s Business Class seats, with ample space between seats along with audio-visual multi-channel entertainment packages.

Additionally, the coaches are fitted with wireless internet service (WiFi) as well as a food compartment and toilets, the top official said.

“These new buses are of Volvo B12B brand and are fitted with the latest version of Euro IV engines that meet high environmental standards, a unique transmission system (I-Shift), and sophisticated braking and stability systems (ESP).

Thanks to these specifications, journey on such coaches is more comfortable and safer and the vehicles more fuel efficient,” Dossari said.

The introduction of these buses is part of an integrated strategic plan developed by the RTA to upgrade mass transit modes in the emirate and attract additional commuters to help ease congestion on roads.

source: Khaleej times