Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its Bus-On-Demand service to include two new areas—Oud Metha and Barsha Heights. The move aims to improve daily mobility solutions, improve traffic flow, and address the growing demand for timely transportation across the emirate.
Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, emphasized the efficiency and accessibility of the service. Adel Shakri stated that, “The Bus-On-Demand service is seamless, efficient, and a key mass mobility solution in Dubai, a city witnessing rapid population growth. This expansion helps ease traffic congestion and offers a cost-effective solution at just $1.36 (AED 5) per trip per person.”
The service, which initially covered areas such as Al Barsha, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Al Nahda, expanded to Business Bay in February last year and Downtown Dubai at the end of 2024. With the latest additions, it now covers 10 key areas across the city, encouraging faster and safer journeys.
The Bus-On-Demand initiative operates through a smart application, allowing users to request rides, plan routes, and pay fares digitally. The system connects designated zones with compact 13-seater buses, offering a seamless first- and last-mile connectivity solution to nearby public transport stations.
Before its launch, RTA conducted extensive field surveys, evaluating factors such as demographics, vehicle ownership, mobility preferences, and public transport accessibility. The service was also benchmarked against global best practices in countries including Spain, Germany, the United States, and Finland.
Passengers can access the service via the Dubai-Bus On-Demand app, available on Apple Store and Google Play. The platform facilitates communication between drivers and passengers for convenient pickup and drop-off within designated zones.
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