RTA approved a purchase of 620 buses with the cost of more than Dhs 1B

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said that the purchase of these new buses came in the framework of an integrated strategy plan set up by the RTA for the advancement of the collective means of transport in the Emirate and to attract additional passengers, thus reducing the traffic congestion on the roads.

He emphasized that the authority is seeking to raise the proportion of trips taken by mass transit to 30% through the provision of alternatives mass transport means distinguished with high-quality and acceptable cost and overall geographical coverage that competing with private vehicles, in addition raising the awareness and changing the culture and social outlook on the use of mass transit, and the integration of the system with Dubai Metro and Marine transport.

He explained that the tender to purchase 620 buses, including 170 public bus with two-story, 300 trailer bus, 70 normal public bus, 30 public buses for the airport, and 50 buses of the type average, pointing out that 150 regular buses will be imported in December 2007 and June 2008 and 300 double coaches buses will be imported in August 2007 and June 2008, while 170 double deck buses will be supplied in September 2007 and December 2008.

Al Tayer said that two companies have been awarded to purchase these buses; the first being "MAN" a German company that will purchase 170 double deck buses and 150 dual coaches buses and 75 regular buses while "Solaris" a Polish company will purchase 225 buses including 75 regular buses and 150 double coaches buses. "The team in charge to purchase these buses held number of meetings with suppliers in Dubai and Germany and they published the document of the tender in the Tejari.com website.

H.E Al Tayer said that the Board of Directors adopted the amount of AED 602 million for the maintenance of the buses to be purchased for a period of five years, and RTA will be responsible to conduct necessary workshops for the maintenance of new buses to be ready by August 2007 and the supplied companies of buses will be responsible to provide the workshops with necessary equipment and technicians, stressing that the RTA demanded that the supplier maintain 95% of the operation rate of buses, and that companies adhere to training and transfering experience on maintenance and dealing with technology and equipment to the staff of the Public Transport Agency.