A rental company in Abu Dhabi has started taking delivery of 137 bus and coaches – some of which are earmarked for transport to and from the new F1 circuit, set to open at the beginning of November. The purchase totaled around US $12.2 million (AED 45 million).
Fast Rent A Car has bought 20 Chinese-made Zhongtong coaches of various sizes, along with 110 Misubishi Rosa 34 seat mid-sized buses which will in part be used for shuttling spectators around Yas Island. Additionally, the purchase includes four other 30-seater buses and three air-conditioned Ashock-Leyland worker transport models.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Ahmed Abood, CEO of Fast Rent A Car, said: “This investment of AED 45 million is indicative of the confidence and trust that our customers are continuing to place in our products and services, despite the economic downturn. By more than doubling the size of our fleet, we are also better placed to provide a full range of the latest, flexible transportation options to potential clients.”
The company will add the newcomers to an existing inventory of 130 buses. Apart from contracts at the F1 site, its buses are currently used by a range of organisations, from companies involved in the construction and hospitality industry to schools and universities and government-run projects.