Passengers in Sharjah may now enjoy the safest public buses ever in the country with an all new technology that constantly monitors, inflates and deflates the air pressure of the tyres.

The breakthrough technology, the first of its kind in public buses in the country, significantly prevents all accidents, mainly roll over, that might result from sudden tyre burst and puncture on the road.

The announcement was made on the morning of Sunday, 19th March, 2017, at the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) headquarters in Al Ezra area while launching five new intercity buses to join service on the Sharjah-Abu Dhabi route.

The 46-seat intercity coaches, co-made by Sweden and Brazil, are the most aerodynamic efficient in the UAE with the least air resistance, said Abdulaziz Al Jarwan, Director of RTA Sharjah for Transport Affairs.

“This adds more safety and stability to the buses on the road, reduce fuel consumption curb air pollution, cut maintenance costs, and prolong the life time of the buses.”

Nigel Johnson, senior managing director, Famco Group, exclusively told Khaleej Times that the Volvo Macropolo Paradiso-1200 buses, worth almost Dh5 million, are equipped with 12 emergency exits that can be easily broken easily for escape. “These include 10 on both sides, two on the roof, let alone the front and back doors.”

Ahmed Al Qayed, head of transport support services, told Khaleej Times that RTA Sharjah is operating 88 intercity public buses, which are 29 to 46 seats each, on 16 routes.

“With the five new buses, we are now operating 25 buses on the Sharjah-Abu Dhabi route which go on regular trips every 30 minutes from Sunday to Wednesday, and every five minutes from Thursday to Saturday.”

These are added to the buses operated in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai, and franchise companies, mainly during peak hours, weekends and holidays, he stated.

“We have decided to run these new buses on the Sharjah-Abu Dhabi route because of the pressing demand,” he said. “The 2-2.5hour trip on the Sharjah-Abu Dhabi route, costing Dh30, is the most profitable to us as well.”

Abdulla Haylouz, regional sales manager – bus and coach, Famco International, told Khaleej Times that Wifi service is available in all the new buses which are also equipped with powerful air conditioners, and very safe chassis.

“The buses, running at maximum limited speed of 90km/h, are also protected against rollover accidents with so many tests to examine the impact on all sides of the bus, ABS system, as well as lane departure system that prevents collision with vehicles ahead.”

Vladimir Knezevic, managing director Famco, UAE, told Khaleej Times that they have so far supplied 23 buses to RTA Sharjah as part of a successful partnership over the last five years.

“The new heavy duty buses, suitable for hot weather conditions and strong winds, are equipped with headset memory foam, 3-point seat belts, three LCDs, satellite system, and more space for luggage.”

The buses are further fitted with 12-shift i-gearbox that automatically changes as per the bus load, road conditions, and the wind speed. “This has a positive impact on the bus safety and stability, fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and life time.”