RTA’s plans

Bike lanes

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is planning to further extend Dubai’s cycling network from the current 316km to 850km by 2030.

Speaking during a UITP session on promoting pedestrianism and nonmechanised mobility, Mona Al Osaimi, director of Strategic Planning, said, “The RTA has strategic plans to make Dubai one of the best cities in providing cycling lanes and supporting non-mechanised mobility means.”

On Monday, during the opening session of the congress, Brent Toderian, an urban planning expert from Canada, had called on the RTA to do more to promote biking as a mobility option.

“Dubai can easily become the best warm weather city in the world with the biggest biking network. I think biking should be promoted as mobility option rather than just a recreational activity,” said Toderian.

Bus fleet

Dubai’s urban and intercity bus fleets will get a boost of 316 new buses next year, as the RTA yesterday signed a Dh465-million deal to procure the region’s first Euro 5 and Euro 6 grade buses.

The new buses will included 143 deluxe intercity coaches, 79 double-deckers and 94 urban buses.

Volvo will supply the 143 deluxe coaches, which will be deployed on intercity bus routes. The 79 doubledeckers will be supplied by MAN serving urban areas with high-density ridership, in addition to 94 medium-size OPTARE 33-seater buses.