RTA to launch luxury bus fleet for Dubai to Abu Dhabi service

The Volvo coaches, which include free internet, will be introduced next year

Foreign investment in Dubai has risen 26% in the first half of this year. Getty Images

The Roads and Transport Authority is launching a fleet of luxury buses to take passengers between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The Volvo coaches, to be introduced next year, will feature high-end finishes, roomy seats, free internet, USB portals for phone charging, footrests and cup holders.

Each bus has a hydraulic lift to assist people of determination.

The European Emission Standards compliant fleet is the first of its kind in the Mena region.

The 143 coaches are part of a Dh465 million programme that will add 316 buses of various sizes to RTA's fleet, taking the total to 2,085 by 2019.

“The procurement of the new buses is part of a master plan set out to upgrade mass transit systems in Dubai and keep them aligned with the highest global practices,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors.

“The plan also calls for providing best-in-class services to mass transit users and keeping abreast of the sustained growth of ridership of these modes. It conforms to RTA’s endeavours to make public transport the ideal mobility choice of people and push the share of public transport in people mobility to as much as 30 per cent by 2030,” said Mr Al Tayer