Abu Dhabi: The world's first two zero-emission all-electric buses will be making their debut runs on the western region's Sir Bani Yas Island, it was announced on Tuesday by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC).
These vehicles will be introduced from March to Desert Islands in line with TDIC's environmental policies which adhere to global sustainability standards.
This makes Sir Bani Yas Island, the 87-square kilometre natural island, the first destination in the world to have a public transportation system run purely on all-electric buses.
The island is a wildlife and bird sanctuary housing many species common to the Arabian Peninsula as well as Africa.
Produced by US-based bus manufacturer DesignLine Corporation specifically to suit the Middle East climatic conditions, the technologically-advanced, environmentally-friendly vehicles offer the perfect transport solution for Sir Ban Yas. They are low noise, low vibration, have low maintenance costs and zero carbon emissions.
Pioneers
Lee Tabler, CEO of TDIC, said in a press release: "Bringing the world's first zero-emission buses to operate on Sir Ban Yas Island is a perfect example of what an environmentally conscious tourism industry should be like. We are proud to be world pioneers in such highly regarded environmental initiatives that are taking place in Abu Dhabi."
TDIC has showcased at the summit the company's achievements in the reduction of energy consumption, sustainable architecture designs, waste management and natural preservation.
