RTA to build 400 new solar-powered bus shelters

The new crescent-shaped shelters will be air-conditioned, and solar panels will generate electricity to illuminate them.

DUBAI // Dubai is to have another 400 solar-powered bus shelters, which will be air-conditioned if there is enough demand.

They will take the number of fully covered shelters in the emirate to 1,285.

Solar panels will generate power to illuminate the crescent-shaped shelter and its billboards.

“The shelters are made of high-quality material, using paints resistant to heat, humidity and dust,” said Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority .

“Providing electricity to power air-conditioned shelters in some remote areas was one of the key challenges confronting planners. The RTA has therefore worked on solutions to overcome it through solar power technology.”

The shelters will be fitted with screens directly linked to the control room of the Public Transport Agency to transmit information about journeys and routes.

They will be disabled-friendly and can accommodate up to 16 people. The RTA is also considering adding ATMs and vending machines for soft drinks and newspapers in shelters on frequently used routes.

The shelters are part of its plan to encourage use of public transport in summer and boost the share of daily public transport in the emirate from 6 per cent in 2006 to 20 per cent by 2020.

The rate had increased to about 14 per cent last year, Mr Al Tayer said.

The shelters will be made of reinforced, polyester-covered aluminium, protecting them from harsh sunlight.

The seats will be made of material with low heat absorption and the solar sheets will be glazed to stop the sun filtering in.