The SRTA's new electric bus parked at the testing ground in Sharjah.

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has launched its first electric bus in the emirate in a trial operation, following an agreement signed with Reliance Motors, the official agent of the China Changan Bus. This was announced by Eng. Yousef Saleh Al Suwaiji, Chairman of SRTA.

Al Suwaiji stressed the importance of keeping abreast of the rapid developments in the transport infrastructure taking the advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to meet needs of the continuing growth of population and overcome traffic issues.

He explained, “The launch of the electric bus today stands an important step towards the future, and a starting point towards the electrical transformation in the operation of the SRTA’s fleet, and reliance on clean energy.”

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The move also translates directives of the prudent leadership towards the transition into green economy and sustainable development by adopting sustainable innovations in transport.

Al Suwaiji further highlighted the emirate’s significant efforts in adopting and embracing the sustainable innovations in the field of transportation, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, aiming to ensure preserving the environment and its sustainability for future generations.

For his part, Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Jarwan, Director of SRTA explained that the electric bus is a qualitative leap in the transportation system in Sharjah. The new bus will operate for 6-month trial period, before adding other buses of the same kind to the authority’s fleet, as an ambitious step to enhance the sustainable transportation that relies on eco-friendly and more energy-efficient systems, reducing carbon emissions.

Al Jarwan pointed out that the bus has standard specifications that are in line with the nature and airspace of the country, ensuring that all the safety and security components are available on the bus in accordance with international standards. This bus must be able to withstand the weather conditions, high temperature, humidity, and fluctuations throughout the year, which are fundamental challenges to the efficiency of any electric vehicles everywhere.  The newly launched bus has capacity for 27 people sitting and a enough safe space to 30 standing people, as well as places for the elderly. The bus route has been set from Al Jubail station in Sharjah to Al Musalla station in the Emirate of Ajman.

He added that all security and safety elements are provided in the bus, according to international standards. It is equipped with rechargeable batteries, and each battery stays live for a distance of 200 km, before recharging. There is one charging station in the bus stop in Al-Azra. The battery is provided with safety covers, so that the bus cannot be operated if the cover is not closed-well.