Dubai's new public buses have USB chargers and Wi-Fi

Optare-made vehicles will be in service on 17 routes

The new buses are more fuel-efficient and passenger-friendly. Courtesy: RTA

Dubai's new public buses will feature USB charging points on every seat and free Wi-Fi for passengers.

The Optare-made vehicles are also more wheelchair-accessible and low-on fuel consumption.

The authority has acquired 94 vehicles to run on 17 routes in the city.

“The delivery of the new batch of buses is part of RTA’s masterplan to improve public transport in Dubai and keep pace with the top international standards," said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general of the Roads and Transport Authority.

The authority is also investing in more efficient vehicles for the taxi fleet with almost 30 per cent now hybrids, which it aims to increase to 50 per cent by 2021.

Meanwhile, rideshare companies Careem and Uber have been told to start phasing out big-engined vehicles in favour of hybrids and electric vehicles.