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New system to count bus passengers

DUBAI - The public buses of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) would soon have a statistical system which would automatically count the number of passengers boarding a bus.

With the RTA targeting a total of 2,500 buses on the streets by 2009, Essa Al Dossari, CEO pf the Public Transport Agency, said the bus suppliers had been asked to provide the RTA with buses of innovative designs, latest technologies and highest technical standards.

The RTA would soon be inviting tenders for the supply of 1,616 new and sophisticated buses from renowned manufacturers worldwide.

“We are doing our best to provide the best possible services to the daily commuters. The new buses have to be both roomy and luxurious and provide a safe ride for the thousands of commuters and tourists. They will be compatible with the highest safety standards and fitted with the best technological features, such as a speaker system announcing the next stop, a statistical system to count the number of passengers, a global positioning system linked with the RTA Control Centre, and internal and external display monitors.”

“Once these new buses arrive, the number of buses will rise to 2,500 by 2009 ensuring coverage of 95 percent of Dubai zones by public transport services. They will also be providing feeder services to Dubai Metro stations so as to raise the number of trips made by mass transit modes,” he said.

The RTA had earlier said that it was considering starting bus services for those travelling from Dubai to other GCC countries. Moreover, the Public Transport Agency has already stated that a total of 125 new buses would start operating on the inter-emirate routes by early next year.

These buses would connect Dubai with Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates.

The agency recently signed an agreement to procure more than 55 Volvo luxury buses at a total cost of Dh128 million.

With the number of buses set to increase, the RTA is also constructing new bus stations at Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Motor City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Jebel Ali Airport and Al Qusais.

• UAE