Sharjah24: Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) announced that its electric bus fleet achieved outstanding operational performance, completing 14,961 trips in 7 months since the service launch in September last year. This initiative is part of the authority's commitment to sustainable transport and enhancing the efficiency of transport networks in the emirate. Engineer Youssef Khamees Al Othmani, chairman of SRTA emphasised that electric bus operations align with a comprehensive strategy for sustainable transport, aimed at reducing reliance on high-emission traditional transport and promoting electric and smart vehicles to lower carbon footprints and improve air quality. The authority is also working towards supporting the UAE's 2050 climate neutrality vision through innovative and clean technology initiatives in various sectors, especially transport.
Daily operations and passenger reliance
The operation of 10 electric buses has seen daily trips averaging between 90 and 95, reflecting increasing passenger reliance on this mode of transport. The authority recorded 1,440 operational days, averaging 160 days per bus, demonstrating its commitment to integrating electric buses into its fleet for sustainable service delivery.
Increased passenger usage
Passenger use of electric buses has significantly increased, with 224,415 riders transported since operations began, averaging 1,300 to 1,350 daily. This rise indicates public trust in service quality. The authority regularly measures customer satisfaction through surveys to ensure a comfortable and safe travel experience.
Operational efficiency
The electric buses have accumulated nearly 15,728 operational hours, showcasing their efficiency and continuous preventive maintenance. They traveled a total of 246,240 kilometers without environmental pollutants, utilizing renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.
Connecting routes
Three main routes connect Sharjah to neighboring emirates, including Line 112 linking bus stations in Sharjah and Ajman, Line 113 connecting Sharjah to Dubai Metro, and Line E304 transporting passengers to various Dubai locations. The authority plans to expand electric bus lines to high-density areas and vital locations, aiming to transition the entire bus fleet to electric and smart systems, thereby enhancing public transport and meeting sustainable development goals.
Commitment to quality and innovation
The authority has been testing electric buses to ensure they meet local infrastructure and operational quality standards before their official deployment. They are also collaborating with developers to improve battery efficiency, enabling longer travel distances and enhancing operational performance in line with future expansion plans.