RTA partners with US group to advance mass transit solutions
DUBAI, July 3, 2024
Top officials of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) met a senior delegation from the State of Ohio, US, to discuss ways to strengthen relations and collaborate with Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA).
During the meeting, RTA and its American counterparts discussed ways to boost co-operation in key areas, such as mass transport, roads, integrated and user-friendly mobility applications, connected and real-time mobility systems, and autonomous transport, reported Wam.
The delegation, led by Blake Ethridge, Chairman of SORTA, was received by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.
During the meeting, Al Tayer discussed RTA's best practices in public transport, modern and sustainable transport systems, and the expansion of current and future mobility services.
The delegation expressed their aspiration to collaborate with RTA to realise the visions of the Dubai Government and the State of Ohio, aiming to transform them into international hubs for entrepreneurship and tourism and positioning them among the best global living destinations.
The two entities later signed a MoU in the presence of Mattar Al Tayer and Blake Ethridge that aims at enhancing cooperation, supporting the strategic partnership, and making concerted efforts to deliver outstanding public transport services, which will positively reflect on various economic and social sectors in both countries.
It includes embedding a culture of joint efforts to enhance performance, facilitate transactions, develop customer service, and maintain communication between the two parties to achieve their common interests, serving both Dubai and Ohio.
The MoU was signed by Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, and Darryl Healy, the CEO and General Manager of SORTA at a key ceremony which was attended by several officials from both sides.
"Over the next phase, we will explore opportunities to develop public transport, primarily focusing on transport technology and innovation, the integration of transport systems and network design, outsourcing bus services, engaging the private sector, and sharing knowledge and best practices in planning & designing of bus stops and facilities," said Al Tayer.
"The two parties will also explore mutual benefits from advanced public transport planning methods and the use of modern software," he stated.
“The objectives of the strategic partnership with SORTA align with RTA's vision as The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility. The MoU will unify shared interests and opportunities in areas such as electric buses, hydrogen buses, rapid transit buses, dedicated lanes, and other bus priority systems,” he further added.
The MoU also calls for exchanging technical knowledge and expertise at various levels, along with sharing information and studies related to the main and specialised tasks beneficial to both parties.
On the deal, Ethridge said: "We have been able to drive considerable ridership growth and transit-related infrastructure investment that has resulted in our Midwestern city seeing record ridership recovery and growth well above our peers."
"This exciting collaboration with Dubai’s RTA, a globally renowned system with an internal reputation for innovation and transformation, marks a new dawn of transit partnerships that reach across the globe," he added.
