Source:Â www.ameinfo.com
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has received in his office H.E. K.V.A. van Spronsen, the Consul General of Netherlands in Dubai, and during the meeting the two parties explored cooperation and exchange of expertise between the RTA and its Dutch counterpart. They also reviewed the cooperation with the Dutch companies operating in the field of mass transportation; particularly public transport and water-borne transportation.
The meeting was attended by the CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency, President of the VDL Group Wim van der Leegte, and Vice-Chairman of Al Naboodah Group Suwaidan Saeed Juma Al Naboodah.
Al Tayer commended the performance & high quality of the Dutch companies and expressed his delight with the progress made in the manufacturing of Ferry Dubai boats and the Water Taxi. He praised the commitment of Damen Co. with the timeframe set for the manufacturing process, and expressed satisfaction with the performance of CITEA buses manufactured by the Dutch VDL Co., where the RTA imported 518 highly sophisticated buses currently deployed on the Metro Stations Feeder Routes. Each bus measures 12 meters in length and has a capacity to accommodate 68 passengers.
The buses are fitted with ultra modern air-conditioning system and highest security & safety standards. moreover, they have been customized to meet the requirements of special needs passengers as they have low floor and a dedicated entry for the disabled. The buses, which boast deluxe and quality standards, have also been equipped with the latest passenger information systems, onboard monitoring system, and auto fare collection system.
It is worth-mentioning that RTA has signed two contracts with the Dutch Damen Co. for manufacturing Ferry Dubai boats and the Water Taxis, as part of its plans to upgrade marine transportation system in the emirate.
For his part the Dutch Consul in Dubai hailed the efforts made by the RTA for improving transportation and roads infrastructure and stated that he was impressed with Dubai Metro project; citing its magnificent design, high-level finishing and excellent passenger service. He praised the integrated mass transportation modes such as public buses, Dubai Metro and marine transit modes, and stressed that upgrading transportation infrastructure would push ahead the economy through attracting investments, reviving commercial activities and boosting tourism.