UAE to implement new measures for 22-passenger buses

The Ministry of Interior announced that it will begin implementing the new mandatory measures, regulations and specifications for the used 22-passenger buses, either already in the country or imported from abroad.

The new specifications follow the Cabinet Decree No. 6 for 2011, regarding the Emirati standard for safety measures in public buses.

Brigadier General Gaith Hasan Al Zaabi, Director General, Traffic Coordination Department, Ministry of Interior, said: “The specifications set by the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology ‘Muwasafat,’ include the removal of isle or middle-row seats or any extra seats; as well as equipping all used buses, whether existing or imported, with speed limiters that lock speed at 100 kmph.”

According to the decree, used buses that do not abide with these new specifications will not be registered or allowed on the streets.

Brigadier General Al Zaabi added: “Amending the Emirati Metrology Standards follows the Cabinet Decree No. 6 for 2011, regarding safety measures on public buses. It also comes in line with the strategy of the Ministry of Interior to provide security and safety to all road users. These technical specifications will be implemented on used buses, whether existing or imported, as of March 1, across the country.”

He continued: “The decision stresses the need to install speed limiters on all buses provided that they obtain a certificate of Conformity, according to the Emirates Conformity Assessment System (ECAS), as well the removal of extra isle seats.”

Brigadier General Al Zaabi explained: “As of March 1, buses will not be  registered, renewed, or allowed to function on the country’s roads unless they comply with the declared specifications. The decree has been circulated across all traffic, patrols and licensing departments in the country, which were instructed to take legal measures against violators.”

The Director General, Traffic Coordination Department, called upon bus owners to comply with the new specifications and modify their vehicles accordingly, to avoid legal accountability.  He added that the decision aims to maintain the safety of passengers.

 “The decree comes in line with the strategy of the Ministry of Interior to update specifications of all buses used across the country, and provide the highest level of security and safety for passengers, achieve safety on the roads and increase the security level for this type of vehicles,” he said.

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