RTA Launches High-Tech Electric Bus Trial on Key Dubai Route
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a pilot trial of a next-generation electric bus on Route F13, part of its metro feeder service network.
The route connects Al Quoz Bus Depot with major landmarks including Burj Khalifa, The Palace Downtown, and Dubai Fountain, ending at the Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop (South).
The 12-metre Volvo-manufactured bus is packed with advanced features aimed at boosting efficiency, safety, and sustainability. These include a transparent head-up display that projects key driving data onto the windscreen, high-definition camera systems replacing traditional mirrors, and smart onboard systems tailored to Dubai's environmental conditions.
With a capacity of 76 passengers (41 seated, 35 standing), the bus houses the largest battery of any electric model tested by the RTA to date—470 kWh—allowing it to travel up to 370 km on a single charge. A state-of-the-art air conditioning system ensures passenger comfort, even during peak summer.
Marwan Al Zarooni, Director of Buses at RTA's Public Transport Agency, said the trial will help the RTA gather real-world data to refine future bus designs, monitor carbon emission reductions, and assess performance in high-demand, high-temperature conditions.
The initiative is part of RTA's broader strategy to achieve zero-emission public transport by 2050, reinforcing Dubai's push toward smarter, greener urban mobility.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
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