Dubai is experiencing very high growth, which is particularly evident on its often congested roads. However, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), is continuously implementing measures to improve public transport and encourage more people to leave their cars at home. There are passenger boats on scheduled traffic on the river through the city of Dubai and the first metro line is planned to be opened in late 2009.
The agreement signing ceremony attended by senior RTA officials and representatives from Volvo Bus and Al-Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (FAMCO), Volvo’s distributor in the UAE attracted great attention from the media and marks another step forward in Dubai RTA’s goal of “Safe and Smooth Transport for All”
The Public Transport Agency (PTA) of the RTA is continuosly investing in improving bus transport in Dubai with the aim of increasing its fleet size from the current 600 buses to 2,500 buses over the coming years. Through the order for 55 coaches from Volvo, transportation between the Emirates will also be improved substantially with plans in place to extend international services throughout the Middle East.
The luxurious coaches will contain such features as VIP reclining leather seats, multi-channel entertainment systems, washroom and catering facilities and wi-fi internet access as well as the latest safety features in line with European norms. A number of the coaches will also be equipped with access for disabled passengers.
The PTA is also fully aware of its environmental responsibility and has ordered Volvo B12B chassis, which comply with emission requirements in accordance with Euro IV, despite Dubai not yet being subject to legal requirements for such low emissions. The chassis will be manufactured at Volvo’s plant in Borås, Sweden.
The bodies will be manufactured by body builder Sunsundegui in Spain. The company has previously worked on similar applications and is highly familiar with the market’s requirements in terms of comfort.
The 55 coaches are scheduled for delivery in the autumn.
February 19, 2008
For further information, please contact Per-Martin Johansson, press officer, +46 31 322 52 00, per-martin.johansson@volvo.com