Dubai RTA’s Bus-on-Demand service records significant growth

Credit: Roads and Transport Authority

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that its Bus-on-Demand service has recorded significant growth in the number of commuters on board these buses in 2021.

Since its launch in February 2020, statistics reveal that 603,052 riders have used this service up to the end of 2021. The service recorded a significant increase in the number of riders, with 428,377 riders having used this service in 2021, compared to only 174,675 riders in 2020.

“This service has seen an exceptional surge in demand, especially as it covers vital areas in Dubai. It also passes across several metro and tram stations, which also enhances the integration of public transport and eases the movement of commuters to their destinations safely and smoothly. The service clocked a satisfaction rating of 86 per cent. It contributes to the integration of public transport services with the first and last mile, ease of accessibility and saves the waiting time of commuters,” said Adil Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at the Roads and Transport Authority.

“Currently, there are 13 minibuses deployed to run the service at Al Barsha, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis and the Academic City. These buses offer convenient and smooth services befitting the needs of riders. They are very accessible as they travel on flexible routes to serve the needs of certain categories. The underlying strategy of the initiative is to serve the low-demand areas and reduce operational costs thanks to fixed service timetables,” Shakri added.

“Other benefits of the service relate to riders, operation and the environment. These buses reduce the walking distance and the waiting time of customers, improving their experience, thanks to the deployment of high-quality buses. As for operation, the bus is smaller, uses less amount of fuel and has low rates of kilometres wasted, thanks to the smart scheduling of the service. Environmentally, the initiative reduces carbon emissions and cuts the journeys by private vehicles in the areas covered,” he further explained.

The on-demand service is run via the Dubai Bus on Demand app, and allows bus drivers to communicate with the service requesters through the app in order to reach the nearest point of assembly.