RTA Expands Bus-On-Demand Service to Oud Metha & Barsha

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has extended its Bus-On-Demand service to cover two new areas: Oud Metha and Barsha Heights. This expansion aims to meet the growing need for convenient daily travel options and to ease traffic congestion across the city.

Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said that the Bus-On-Demand service is one of Dubai’s top transportation solutions. He explained that the service is smooth, reliable, and affordable, costing only AED 5 per trip for each passenger. The expansion will help reduce traffic issues and make travel more efficient as Dubai’s population continues to grow.

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Service Available in 10 Areas

Shakri mentioned that due to increasing demand, RTA has expanded the service to 10 key areas across Dubai. Before this latest expansion, the service was already operating in locations such as Al Barsha, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Al Nahda. More recently, it was introduced in Business Bay in February last year and in Downtown Dubai by the end of 2024.

He added that the service is becoming more popular among public transport users, especially with the new zones now included. This expansion allows people to travel easily between nearby areas, making their journeys faster and more convenient.

Smart Travel with a Mobile App

The Bus-On-Demand service works through a smartphone application called Dubai-Bus On-Demand, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play Store. Passengers can use the app to request a ride, choose their pick-up and drop-off points, and pay the fare directly. The system uses smart technology to connect small public buses with specific areas, helping people travel smoothly from their starting point to their destination.

Shakri highlighted that the service offers a practical solution for first- and last-mile connectivity. This means it makes it easier for people to get from their homes or offices to the nearest public transport stations, like metro or bus stops.

Careful Planning Behind the Expansion

Before adding new areas, RTA carried out a detailed survey. They studied factors such as the number of people living in the area, car ownership, current transport options, and how far people were willing to walk or wait. They also considered comfort, punctuality, and affordability to ensure the service met the needs of passengers.

RTA also looked at international examples from countries like Spain, Germany, the United States, and Finland to match global standards and offer the best service possible.

Convenient and Accessible Buses

The Bus-On-Demand service uses 13-seater buses that operate on specific routes. The drivers stay connected with passengers through the app to ensure they reach the nearest pick-up point quickly.

This initiative is part of RTA’s effort to make Dubai’s public transport network more efficient, reducing travel time and providing a more comfortable experience for daily commuters.