Dubai: The new green bus of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will begin its journey from Friday on the feeder route F13.

Running between Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and Financial Centre, the green bus will operate on biodiesel, cutting CO2 emissions by 78 per cent.

On trial for six months, the bus will be part of the busy route that has a headway of ten minutes on weekdays and four minutes on Fridays.

“We are introducing this as part of our green initiatives. The service will be on trial for six months and hopefully if the results are good there could be more such buses,” Eisa Abdul Rahman Al Dossary, CEO of the RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

The usage of biodiesel means there will be a two per cent reduction in fuel costs, while the use of solar-powered LED lamps means there are further reduction in overall operation costs.

The green hue of the bus doesn’t stop here. The buses use recycled tyres, while the materials used for seating and flooring are also recycled.

“Every element in the bus reflects the environment, it not only cuts the cost but also sends a strong message to people that being eco-friendly is the right way forward and it is not difficult,” added Al Dossary.

The initiative was launched last week by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.