Dubai RTA approves extension of dedicated bus and taxi lanes

Credit: Roads and Transport Authority

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that it has approved a project aimed at extending dedicated lanes for buses and taxis along several key streets in the city. This plan, covering a total of 13.1km across six major routes, is part of efforts to enhance public transport infrastructure in Dubai. The project, scheduled for completion between 2025 and 2027, will expand the city’s network of dedicated bus lanes to 20.1km.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors at RTA, said: “The dedicated bus and taxi lanes are part of key global practices and successful transportation policies that assist in encouraging residents to use public transport means rather than their private vehicles.”

The objectives of the project include reducing travel times, improving adherence to bus schedules, increasing public transport ridership and optimising taxi services. In addition, the initiative aims to reduce operational costs, improve transport mode integration and minimise emissions.

According to Al Tayer, the extension of dedicated bus lanes is expected to significantly reduce travel times during peak hours, ranging from 24% to 59% across different routes. For example, travel time reductions of up to 59% are anticipated on Naif Street, while Al Satwa Road and Omar Bin Al Khattab Street could see reductions of 54% and 50% respectively. Similarly, bus arrival times are projected to improve by 28% to 56% along these routes.

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The expansion of dedicated bus lanes is also anticipated to boost public transport usage by up to 30% on certain roads, leading to potential savings in operational costs due to reduced travel times.

This approval marks the continuation of RTA’s efforts to enhance public transport accessibility and efficiency in Dubai. Previous phases of the project have demonstrated improvements in bus trip times and increased satisfaction among passengers and drivers.

The extension of dedicated bus and taxi lanes underscores Dubai’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility and aligns with its vision to provide efficient and integrated transportation options for residents and visitors.