Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) announced the operation of the first phase of environmentally friendly electric bus rides.

SRTA launched a number of routes including 3 destinations between cities, as part of enhancing the mass transportation services provided by the authority's bus fleet, towards the gradual shift to relying on carriers that meet SRTA environmental sustainability plans, in line with UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

Engineer Youssef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of SRTA, revealed that the first phase approved by the Authority to operate 10 electric buses, depends on 3 destinations including the Emirate of Dubai, the Emirate of Ajman and the city of Al Hamriyah.

Selection of the three destinations is based on studies and statistics carried out by the relevant departments, in cooperation with the Intercity Transport Department, according to several criteria, such as in-demand destinations with the highest number of passengers.

Al Othmani emphasised the Authority's endeavour to apply the highest quality standards in implementing its strategy to support the environment, by adopting comprehensive plans to achieve green transportation goals and reduce carbon emissions.

This comes through working to create work mechanisms that are compatible with sustainable initiatives and launching environmentally friendly transportation in line with government directives aimed at creating a safe and sustainable transportation environment.

It was previously announced that a contract had been signed to purchase 10 electric buses as a first stage, after testing two buses to prove their efficiency. The selection was made after testing several different models, according to their compatibility and suitability to the UAE climatic conditions.

The next stage will see an increase in the number of electric buses operating in Sharjah, in line with the directions of the UAE and the Sharjah government to reduce carbon footprint by relying on renewable energy in public transportation.

The new selected buses are of the King Long model, and include a set of standard specifications, as they are 9 metres long and have 41 passengers’ capacity. They follow international safety specifications, and have obtained the European safety certificate.

The bus is air-conditioned and operates with a battery cooling system, in line with the climate conditions in the UAE.

WAM