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UAE in major push towards sustainable transportation

Dubai Metro has emerged as one of the pioneering projects in an integrated mass transit system that has contributed to preserving the environment and reducing carbon emissions in the emirate and country.

Statistics show that Dubai residents rely on the metro as their preferred means of transportation, which confirms its strategic value as a vital project that supports the overall development trends in the emirate.

The number of electric and hybrid cars is increasing rapidly in the country, which is most evident in the taxi fleets in several emirates of the country, while reports have confirmed the increase in personal electric vehicles (PEV) in recent years.

The UAE is the leader in the change towards independent electric cars in the region and has succeeded in converting approximately 20 per cent of the car fleet of government departments to electric cars, and targets to enter about 42,000 electric cars on its streets by 2030.

The UAE has set national standards for emission levels resulting from land transport, including the air protection system to protect the environment from pollution issued according to Cabinet Resolution No. 37 of 2006 as part of regulations for Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 regarding protection of the environment, and periodic examination of pollutants emitted from vehicle exhausts as a condition for licencing.

Published by khaleejtimes.com

The 2021 Chevrolet Captiva goes on sale in the Middle East

The 2021 Chevrolet Captiva, which made its regional debut back in November last year at the 2019 Dubai International Motor Show, is finally on sale in the Middle East. With a starting price of Dh64,500, the Captiva is positioned as “a big car for a small price,” and comes in five- and seven-seater variants boasting a relatively large cargo space at 1,051 litres.

The Captiva’s exterior has been redesigned, with a new grille design and Chevrolet badge, flanked by halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRL), integrated with turn signal indicators as well as rear spoiler with integrated third rear brake LED light.

All seven seats in the Chevrolet Captiva are easy to access, thanks to the second row seating that can slide to expand legroom and split 60/40 and tumble forward for easy access to third row. The Premier trim comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 6-way power-adjustable driver seat and a 7-inch TFT digital color driver information screen.

The 2021 Captiva is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-charged engine with an output of 143 horsepower and 255Nm of torque, and mated to a continuously variable transmission. Features include a multifunction steering wheel for operating Cruise Control, audio system and receiving phone calls, rear-view camera, rear parking sensors across all trims, and a front parking sensor on the Premier trim.

“The wait for the all-new Chevrolet Captiva is finally over. The reception following the car’s regional debut last November got us very excited and we are really looking forward to seeing it hit the roads, here in the Middle East. With its cutting-edge styling, enviable interior space with up to seven seats, high fuel efficiency and smart technologies, Chevrolet Captiva is a perfect match for the region’s busy families looking for the ultimate companion at an affordable price. We are confident all-new Captiva will quickly become a firm favorite in our line-up,” says Farah Amhaz, Head of Brand – Chevrolet Middle East.

Published by gulfnews.com

Coronavirus: contactless app payment for taxi rides in Abu Dhabi
Passengers will now be able to make contactless payments for taxi rides in Abu Dhabi during the coronavirus outbreak.

The payments can be made by downloading the Abu Dhabi Taxi app, which is available on Apple Store and Google Play.

Passengers need to create an account and provide credit card details, which are saved for future taxi journeys.

Once the trip is over, passengers can make the payment through the app without any need to interact with the driver.

An Integrated Transport Centre representative said the move was in line with the organisation’s efforts to improve the level of service and minimise human interaction to limit the spread of the virus.

The centre manages public transport in the emirate.

“The online payment feature will greatly benefit tourists by facilitating the payment of taxi fares without the need for carrying cash,” the ITC representative said.

“In light of the current health situation with the risk of coronavirus outbreak, all public means of transport, including taxis, are being sterilised regularly at the beginning and end of each work shift.

“Drivers are provided sterilising products to clean the vehicle after each trip as part of the precautionary measures ITC is undertaking.”

The representative said no more than two passengers were allowed in an Abu Dhabi taxi at a time.

Passengers must also wear face masks and gloves and should be seated only in the back seat.

Plastic insulators to isolate the driver from passengers will remain in place and hand sanitisers will be available for those on board.

The ITC is also considering whether to introduce other means of payment, such as electronic wallets, in the future.

Published by thenational.ae