Sharjah to Double Electric Intercity Buses to 20 Next Month

SRTA to Add 10 More Electric Buses, Doubling Intercity Fleet to 20

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) will introduce ten new electric buses to its intercity fleet next month, increasing the number of EV buses in operation to 20. The new vehicles will run on major routes connecting Sharjah with neighboring emirates—with early priority on the busy Sharjah–Ajman corridor.

Why it matters

Sharjah is accelerating its shift to sustainable, low-emission transport by expanding 100% electric services on high-demand routes. The expansion is designed to cut carbon emissions, improve service reliability, and enhance the passenger experience with safety tech and smart payments.

What’s launching

• Fleet expansion: 10 electric buses already in service; 10 more to be deployed after registration and factory prep are completed.
• Route focus: Sharjah–Ajman first, backed by available charging infrastructure including the main station at the shelter site.
• Control & tracking: Electric buses appear green in SRTA’s tracking system (diesel buses show purple) for easy identification.
• Charging & maintenance: An integrated charging and daily maintenance system is in place to support continuous operations.

Safety and accessibility

• Smart cameras: Each bus includes eight internal and external cameras with sensors and instant alerts linked to SRTA’s operations room for real-time monitoring and direct communication with drivers in emergencies.
• Inclusive design: Accessible spaces and aisles ensure smoother boarding and disembarkation for people of determination.
• Comfort: Modern air-conditioning and passenger-comfort systems support both seated and standing riders.

Range and operations

• Single-charge range: Up to 250 km per charge.
• Duty cycle: Roughly four consecutive trips between Sharjah and Ajman before recharging.
• Battery care: A built-in safety mode protects battery health and extends service life.
• Lower TCO: Operating and maintenance costs are significantly lower than diesel, with routine work mainly on batteries, cooling systems, and filters—no oil changes or complex mechanical replacements typical of conventional buses.

Smarter payments and digital experience

SRTA is rolling out a smart payment upgrade:

• Sayer card integration: On-board devices will accept Sayer cards linked to a user’s identity.
• Planned expansions: Next phases will connect Sayer to bank cards and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Family accounts: A forthcoming feature aims to let multiple family members share one account for simpler intercity travel.

What riders can expect

• Cleaner journeys: Zero tailpipe emissions on intercity routes.
• Greater visibility & safety: Real-time oversight via the SRTA control room.
• Reliable service on peak routes: Charging infrastructure and maintenance workflows tailored to high-frequency corridors.
• Easier payments: A path to tap-and-go with Sayer and, soon, popular bank and mobile options.

At-a-glance facts

• Fleet: 20 electric intercity buses (10 existing + 10 new)
• Primary route: Sharjah–Ajman (first phase)
• Range: Up to 250 km per charge
• Trips per charge: ~4 Sharjah–Ajman round trips (operational estimate)
• Safety tech: 8 smart cameras per bus with live alerts
• O&M: Lower costs vs. diesel; no oil changes; fewer moving parts
• Payments: Sayer now; bank cards & Apple Pay/Google Pay planned; family account option targeted

Bottom line

By doubling its electric intercity fleet and pairing EV operations with smart safety and digital payments, SRTA is building a scalable blueprint for cleaner, safer, and more convenient regional bus travel—starting with one of the UAE’s busiest corridors.