Dubai: Dubai’s bus network is set to expand significantly as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) prepares for an expected surge in commuters ahead of Expo 2020.
On Saturday, the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA approved the designs of 14 bus stations that will serve Expo 2020.
The project covers the construction of these bus stations in addition to one bus depot in Al Quoz.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, the stations will meet the needs of public bus service for Expo 2020 activities and related events, and will be integrated into the Dubai Bus network after the event.
“The construction of bus stations complements RTA’s efforts to improve the infrastructure of mass transit systems with the aim of encouraging people to use public transport in their daily travels. It is also part of RTA’s master plan for addressing the needs of hosting Expo 2020 in Dubai, and ensuring safe and smooth transport for Expo activities and related events,” said Al Tayer.
The 14 stations include three new permanent stations at Business Bay, Jebel Ali and Al Baraha in addition to five temporary stations at Dubai Silicon Oasis, Global Village, Meydan, Palm Jumeirah and Al Jaddaf.
Six existing stations will also get a facelift including Etisalat, Union Square and Al Ghubaiba, while bus facilities at Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai International Airport will get an upgrade.
The project also includes the construction of a bus depot in Al Quoz.
“Locations of the stations have been carefully selected to meet the needs of highly populated residential areas to achieve higher customer satisfaction rating. The new design of bus stations meets the existing and future needs and operational requirements of public bus services in terms of the number of riders, journeys and stops,” added Al Tayer.
The project is compatible with the Dubai Universal Design Code for People of Determination.
“The theme of the architectural design is inspired by natural elements from the UAE environment. It features a modern design style that combines the practical interior with the distinctive exterior appearance. The construction elements were employed to serve and form an integral part of the architectural design, while taking into consideration the use of a suitable architectural theme for building models,” said Al Tayer.
The RTA’s transport upgrade plan for the Expo also includes expansion of the road network and upgrading of the junctions leading up to the Expo site. The plan will also see construction of Route 2020 involving the extension of Dubai Metro Red Line by 15km from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station to the site of Expo.
Besides expanding the network, RTA also plans to deploy eco-friendly buses to transport visitors to and from the Expo site.
