Cut Carbon Emissions and Meet Green Vehicle Targets, Dubai Launches 1,770 Hybrid Taxi Fleet

Illustration of taxi fleet in Dubai, UAE. (Source: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority-RTA)

JAKARTA - Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched a thousand new eco-friendly taxi fleets, as part of its efforts to cut carbon emissions while improving environmental quality.

In total there are 1,770 new taxi fleets that are claimed to be environmentally friendly, with energy sources coming from fuel and electricity supply that will soon enliven the streets of Dubai.

This addition brings the number of hybrid taxi fleets owned by Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) to 4,105, which is more than 70 percent of the total DTC fleet of 5,721 units.

Green cars represent the bulk of the introduction of the new 2,200 taxis announced by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

"RTA also wants to increase its taxi and limousine fleet to keep up with the rapid developments seen in Dubai. Support the integration of the mass transit network to make it easier for commuters to reach their final destination," said RTA Chairman and Director General Mattar Al Tayer, citing The National News on January 9.

"The procurement of new vehicles is in line with DTC's efforts to improve the quality of Dubai taxi services, providing a unique taxi experience that facilitates the mobility of residents and tourists," he said.

He added that continued investment in hybrid vehicles would help the emirate to curb carbon emissions and achieve its target of 56 percent of its fleet consisting of environmentally friendly vehicles.

To note, last year the RTA also targeted one in 20 taxis in Dubai to be driverless by 2023, under an ambitious roadmap for the future unveiled by the transport chief.

More than half of the emirate's fleet will also be eco-friendly as part of the Dubai Taxi Company's Strategic Plan for 2021 to 2023.