RTA and Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority Sign MoU

RTA and Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority Sign MoU to Advance Mass Transit Technologies and Innovations

Al Tayer: The MoU strengthens efforts to provide exceptional public transport services.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), met with a delegation from the State of Ohio, USA. The delegation was led by His Excellency Blake Ethridge, Chairman of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA). During the meeting, they discussed ways to strengthen relations and collaboration between the RTA and its American counterparts in various areas, such as mass transport, roads, integrated and user-friendly mobility applications, connected and real-time mobility systems, and autonomous transport.

During the meeting, Al Tayer discussed RTA's best practices in public transport, modern and sustainable transport systems, and the expansion of current and future mobility services. The delegation expressed their aspiration to collaborate with RTA to realize the visions of the Dubai Government and the State of Ohio, aiming to transform them into international hubs for entrepreneurship and tourism and positioning them among the best global living destinations.

MoU
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer and His Excellency Blake Ethridge witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the RTA and SORTA. The MoU calls for enhancing cooperation, supporting the strategic partnership, and making concerted efforts to deliver outstanding public transport services, which will positively reflect on various economic and social sectors in both countries.

The MoU was signed on behalf of RTA by Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, and on behalf of SORTA by Darryl Healy, CEO and General Manager, in the presence of several officials from both sides.

It includes embedding a culture of joint efforts to enhance performance, facilitate transactions, develop customer service, and maintain communication between the two parties to achieve their common interests, serving both Dubai and Ohio.  The MoU also calls for exchanging technical knowledge and expertise at various levels, along with sharing information and studies related to the main and specialised tasks beneficial to both parties.

Enhanced Cooperation
His Excellency Al Tayer emphasised the importance of the partnership with Ohio, marking a new era of strengthening relations and cooperation between the RTA and its American partners. He praised Ohio’s extensive experience in developing transportation systems, environmentally friendly mobility solutions, infrastructure, and roads.

"Over the next phase, we will explore opportunities to develop public transport, primarily focusing on transport technology and innovation, the integration of transport systems and network design, outsourcing bus services, engaging the private sector, and sharing knowledge and best practices in planning & designing of bus stops and facilities. The two parties will also explore mutual benefits from advanced public transport planning methods and the use of modern software," commented Al Tayer.

"The objectives of the strategic partnership with SORTA align with RTA's vision as The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility. The MoU will unify shared interests and opportunities in areas such as electric buses, hydrogen buses, rapid transit buses, dedicated lanes, and other bus priority systems." he further added.

Cooperation and Innovation
His Excellency Blake Ethridge expressed his delight in signing the MoU with the RTA in Dubai, which enhances collaboration, innovation, and expertise exchange that will add immeasurable value to mass transit systems in both cities.

“We have been able to drive considerable ridership growth and transit-related infrastructure investment that has resulted in our Midwestern city seeing record ridership recovery and growth well above our peers. This exciting collaboration with Dubai’s RTA, a globally renowned system with an internal reputation for innovation and transformation, marks a new dawn of transit partnerships that reach across the globe,” commented Ethridge.

Field Visits
RTA briefed the Ohio delegation on intelligent traffic systems, the latest practices and technologies in public transportation, the expansion of the bus network, and the new generation of bus stations, highlighting their integration with various public transportation modes.

The briefing was made during the delegation's tour of the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre, Al Quoz Bus Depot, and the Enterprise Command and Control Centre. RTA also showcased its pioneering achievements in providing safe and sustainable solutions in the field of mass transit.