Dubai takes another step towards sustainable transport with the trial run of a CNG-powered bus.The step follows the introduction of 118 biodiesel-powered buses in May this year apart from an electric bus on trial since March.

Road and Transport Authority's Public Transport Agency announced that it would start a trial operation of a bus powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) on an internal route in Dubai. The step is a further manifestation of RTA 's drive to use a clean, environment-friendly fuel, which would be of benefit to the public health, and support the government efforts in this field. The experiment is aligned with the vision of: A Green Economy for a Sustainable Development set out by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as part of the UAE Vision 2021. 

This experiment is also in line with RTA 's strategy of broadening and improving sustainable transit means, which have minimal impacts on the environment and public health.

Though RTA uses best-in-class fuel type in the world with a minimal sulphur content, and sets out the highest international stipulations for emissions rates in its buses, it is also in constant pursuit of the best and safest mass transit means as far as environmental sustainability is concerned. 

From an engineering perspective, CNG-powered engines are more robust and durable compared with other engines powered by fossil fuel such as diesel and petrol. Natural gas reduces the need for maintenance due to its clean combustion. It is also lighter than air, which means it will be immediately driven upwards in case of a leakage or accident. Therefore, it won't cause burning or explosion in the vehicle, besides reducing the engine noise by as much as 30% compared with other traditional engines.

The trial operation will continue for 12 months .

An important feature of the CNG bus is that it won't require refuelling for up to 300 kilometres,  RTA engineers will constantly monitor the operational performance, and assess the efficiency of the bus under different conditions before deciding on adding more CNG buses to the fleet.

Successful trial could lead to more CNG-powered buses joining public transport fleet.

Sources

Emirates News Agency, WA

Gulf News

RTA