Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has expanded its bus network to cover 88% of the city, with 188 million passengers in 2024 and a new AED 1.1bn Euro 6-compliant fleet, including electric buses, enhancing efficiency through AI and dedicated lanes.
Matar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, recently highlighted the agency’s commitment to integrating smart systems and artificial intelligence within its bus services, which significantly enhances operational efficiency and cohesion in the public transport network. The RTA reports that the coverage of the bus service in Dubai has expanded to 88%, facilitating approximately 11,000 daily trips across 1,390 buses that collectively traverse around 333,000 kilometres every day.
In 2024, the number of passengers using public transport buses in Dubai reached an impressive 188 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the previous year. The buses effectively cater to over 500,000 passengers daily, boasting an on-time arrival accuracy rate that exceeds 77%. This uptick in usage suggests a growing reliance on public transport as the city continues to evolve.
The RTA operates a fleet of 1,390 buses across 187 distinct routes, comprising 110 urban and rural routes, 64 feeder routes to metro stations, and 13 intercity routes. Additionally, there are seasonal routes that support major events, including popular attractions like the Global Village. This robust network is integral to Dubai’s public transport ecosystem, which, in total, served 747.1 million users in 2024, reflecting a 6.4% growth over 2023.
The RTA’s strategies include plans for expanding dedicated bus and taxi lanes, with six new lanes adding 13 kilometres to existing infrastructure, ultimately bringing the total to 20 kilometres. This expansion is anticipated to boost passenger numbers in adjacent areas by 10%, while improving bus arrival rates by 42% and reducing travel times by 41%. In the previous year, the authority also introduced nine express bus lines and launched a priority system at traffic signals, enhancing bus punctuality by as much as 12%.
Furthermore, modern bus stations are being developed with a focus on innovative design, ensuring accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and those with disabilities. This approach aligns with the RTA’s commitment to supporting the first and last mile concept, facilitating seamless transit connections between various transport modes and their surroundings.
In line with sustainability goals, the bus fleet adheres to European “Euro 6” emissions standards, which aim to significantly mitigate carbon emissions. The buses are also equipped with modern amenities such as comfortable seating and low-floor entrances, thereby improving service quality and encouraging greater public transport usage among residents.
The public transport network, which includes the metro, trams, buses, taxis, and marine transport, forms the backbone of mobility in Dubai. Al Tayer noted that the RTA relies on strategic planning and community engagement to promote integration across different modes of transport. These efforts are complemented by the development of infrastructure and the implementation of incentive policies aimed at reducing private vehicle dependency and enhancing travel efficiency throughout the emirate.
As part of ongoing innovations, the RTA is also investing in advanced bus technologies, which include a recent AED 1.1 billion contract for 636 new Euro 6-compliant buses, including 40 electric models. This initiative marks a significant step towards upgrading the fleet and enhancing service capabilities.
Overall, the expansion and enhancement of public transport in Dubai underscore the city’s commitment to meeting the mobility needs of its growing population, while prioritising sustainability and efficiency. The RTA’s strategic vision is not only transforming public transport but also fostering a more connected and environmentally responsible urban landscape.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.emaratalyoum.com/local-section/other/2025-05-18-1.1945544 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/news-and-media/all-news/NewsDetails/747-million-riders-used-public-transport-shared-mobility-and-taxis-in-2024 – In 2024, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reported that public transport and shared mobility services served 747.1 million riders, marking a 6.4% increase from 2023. The services included Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport, shared mobility, and taxis. Average daily ridership exceeded 2 million, up from 1.92 million in 2023. Additionally, luxury transport services recorded 19 million users. The total trips across public transport, shared mobility, and taxis reached 153 million in 2024, with taxis accounting for over 115 million trips and shared mobility services recording approximately 32 million trips.
- https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2025/may/04-05/aed-4-billion-in-digital-revenues-for-rta-in-2024 – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) achieved AED 4.427 billion in digital revenues for 2024, marking a 16% growth from the previous year. The total number of transactions across digital channels reached 679.6 million, including 13.4 million through RTA’s smart applications. App downloads increased by 18% compared to 2023, totaling 3.742 million, with registered users on RTA apps rising by 27.5% to 1.94 million. The number of parking tickets issued through smart applications grew to 29.973 million, a 24% increase.
- https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/news-and-media/all-news/NewsDetails/702-million-riders-used-public-transport-in-2023 – In 2023, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that public transport and shared mobility services served 702 million riders, reflecting a 13% increase from 2022. The services included Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport, shared mobility, and taxis. Average daily ridership was 1.92 million, up from 1.7 million in 2022. The Dubai Metro, the world’s longest driverless metro network, extended 90 km, and the Dubai Tram covered approximately 11 km. The bus network expanded from 2,095 km in 2006 to 3,974 km in 2024.
- https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/news-and-media/all-news/NewsDetails/aed1.1-billion-deal-for-new-buses-with-low-carbon-emissions – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) awarded a contract worth AED 1.1 billion for the purchase of 636 buses of various sizes. These buses comply with European low carbon emissions standards (Euro 6) and include 40 electric buses, marking the largest and first of their kind in the UAE. The buses are equipped with advanced safety and comfort features, including the Driver Behaviour Monitoring System (Raqeeb) and Automated Passenger Counting (APC) system.
- https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/news-and-media/all-news/NewsDetails/launching-phase-ii-study-of-intelligent-traffic-systems-initiative – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched Phase II of the Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) Improvement and Expansion Project. This phase aims to cover 100% of the emirate’s main roads by 2026, expanding the system’s coverage from 480 km to 710 km. The project will adopt the latest intelligent technologies and software, such as Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), to enhance road network management and traffic flow.
- https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/02/02/747-million-people-used-dubai-transport-services-in-2024 – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that public transport and shared mobility services in Dubai served 747.1 million riders in 2024, reflecting a 6.4% increase from 702 million riders in 2023. The transit services involved included Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport, shared mobility, and taxis. Average daily ridership exceeded 2 million riders, up from 1.92 million in 2023. Additionally, luxury transport services (limousines) recorded 19 million users.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative includes recent statistics and developments from 2024 and mentions ongoing initiatives, indicating it is relatively up-to-date. However, there’s no explicit mention of very recent events or announcements from 2025.
Quotes check
Score:
0
Notes:
No direct quotes are present in the narrative.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from emaratalyoum.com, which is a regional news source but not globally recognised as a major reputable publication like the Financial Times or BBC.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the RTA’s efforts to enhance public transport and integrate smart systems are plausible given Dubai’s ongoing urban development and sustainability goals. However, some specific figures and outcomes might require further verification.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is generally plausible and up-to-date, but lacks specific quotes and originates from a regional news source. It requires further verification for some claims and figures.
