Dubai RTA expands Bus-On-Demand service to meet growing demand

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its Bus-On-Demand service to include two new areas: Oud Metha and Barsha Heights.

This expansion addresses the increasing demand for the service, offering swift and convenient daily mobility solutions while improving traffic flow across the emirate.

Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency stated: “The Bus-On-Demand service is seamless, efficient, and stands as one of the leading mass mobility solutions in Dubai, a city experiencing rapid population growth. This expansion helps tackle challenges related to traffic congestion and enhances traffic flow while remaining cost-effective at just AED 5 per trip per person.”

Shakri added: “In response to growing demand, RTA had expanded the service to cover 10 key areas across the emirate. The service was already available in vital locations such as Al Barsha, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Al Nahda, with recent expansions to Business Bay in February last year and Downtown Dubai at the end of 2024.

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“The service is experiencing strong demand from a wide segment of public transport users, especially with the latest expansion covering key areas and enabling seamless travel between the two adjacent zones. This integration strengthens the public transport network and ensures faster, safer journeys for commuters.”

Shakri explained that the Bus-On-Demand initiative operates through an intelligent response system that allows passengers to request the service via a smart application. This system connects designated areas with compact public buses, enabling users to plan their route from departure to destination and pay the fare through the app. He highlighted that the service offers an innovative solution for first- and last-mile connectivity, seamlessly linking residential areas with the nearest public transport stations.

Before launching the service, RTA conducted a comprehensive field survey based on various criteria, including user demographics, vehicle ownership, mobility options, proximity to public transport stations and stops, and preferred travel choices such as walking distance and waiting time. Additional factors considered included comfort, punctuality, on-demand availability, proximity to residential areas and key destinations, and affordability. RTA also benchmarked the service against global best practices in countries such as Spain, Germany, the United States, and Finland.

Notably, the Bus-On-Demand service is accessible via the Dubai-Bus On-Demand smart application, available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play Store for smartphones and smart devices. The service operates 13-seater buses along designated routes within specific geographical areas, with drivers able to communicate with passengers via the app to reach the nearest pickup point.