After Tesla cabs, Dubai to trial electric bus

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inked a deal with Australian bus manufacturer BusTech Group to test the feasibility of operating an eco-friendly, zero-emission electric bus in Dubai's climate.

The trial run will also test innovative technologies to enhance customer service and enable the bus to seamlessly integrate with Dubai’s mass transit system.

It will also assess performance and benefits as well as feedback from drivers and customers to identify areas of improvement.

"This is the first agreement under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between RTA and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Government, Australia, aimed at enhancing the cooperation between both parties," said Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, RTA

He added, "RTA’s environmental-friendly plans call for increasing the number of electric and hybrid vehicles, improving energy-efficient facilities, upgrading streetlights, and reducing waste. It also aims to modify its buildings to achieve carbon neutrality in line with Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050."

Dan Marks, Chief Executive Officer of BusTech Group, said they look "forward to facilitating greater cooperation between Queensland and Dubai, and to deploying Australian designed and engineered zero-emissions technology buses into Dubai’s world-recognised public transport network".

BusTech Group has been operating in Dubai since 2017 where one of its first-generation electric buses has been running as a shuttle service. The next generation of its electric buses will be trialed on urban roads.

.@rta_dubai signs agreement with Australian BusTech Group to trial eco-friendly electric bushttps://t.co/PeKg4Cius3 pic.twitter.com/4c373f0jtc

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 4, 2022