HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the test run of a VDL bus, the first bus to join RTA fleet compatible with the European Emissions Standards (Euro 6). Such buses are characterized by their lightweight and low fuel consumption.

"RTA attaches high priority to conserving the environment and optimizing power consumption as Safety & Environmental Sustainability is part & parcel of RTA's strategic goals. This drive is in line with the national initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 2012 calling for building a Green Economy in the UAE under the theme: 'Green Economy for Sustainable Development.'

The move conforms to the Dubai Government's energy & carbon control strategy seeking to make Dubai a model to be emulated in power efficiency and low emissions. The trial operation of the new VDL Bus signals RTA's keenness to revamp its public bus fleet to keep pace with the top practices worldwide and offer top of the range services to public transport riders in Dubai," said Al Tayer.

"RTA will put the new bus on a trial operation for six months to assess the economic feasibility and environmental benefits of its operation. It would also examine the reduction in carbon emission rate, engine efficiency, and maintenance cost among other perimeters," added RTA's Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors.

Al Tayer inspected the new VDL bus and attended a briefing about the technical specifications of the bus. It weighs about 9650 KG, which is remarkably lower than the weight of the older model of VDL bus being 11200 KG. The new bus has a seating capacity of 45 riders whereas the older version has seats for 34 riders.

Source: Khaleej Times