Dubai RTA Plans Intercity Bus Service Expansion to Enhance UAE. Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to expand the city intercity bus services, aiming to improve public transportation and ease daily commutes across the UAE. This initiative comes as the RTA responds to the increasing demand for integrated public transit solutions, including buses, the metro, tram, and marine transport.
RTA Proactive Approach to Public Transport Needs
The announcement follows a recent virtual “Talk to Us” session held by the RTA, where residents shared their feedback, ideas, and proposals for enhancing Dubai’s public transport system. Discussions during the session addressed both internal bus routes within Dubai and intercity routes connecting Dubai to other emirates.
According to the RTA, the proposals presented included expanding the current bus network to accommodate more passengers and improve integration with other modes of transport. Such expansions are considered vital to creating smoother and more efficient commutes for passengers traveling within Dubai and between other emirates.
Impressive Passenger Numbers Signal High Demand
Statistics released by the RTA highlight the popularity of Dubai’s bus services. Between January and June 2024, buses transported a staggering 89.2 million passengers. This accounted for 24.5% of all public transport users in the first half of the year, emphasizing the critical role buses play in Dubai’s transportation ecosystem.
Tackling Peak-hour Traffic Congestion
In addition to expanding bus services, the RTA is also exploring strategies to address peak-hour traffic congestion. Earlier this month, the authority suggested implementing flexible work hours and remote work policies to reduce the pressure on Dubai’s major roads during peak travel times.
Two key studies by the RTA revealed that:
- Introducing a two-hour flexible start window for workdays could significantly alleviate morning traffic congestion.
- Encouraging employees to work remotely four to five times a month could reduce peak-hour traffic by up to 30%.
Additional Measures to Boost Public Transport Usage
To further enhance public transport adoption, the RTA is considering several demand management policies, including:
- Expanding restrictions on truck movements during busy hours.
- Increasing the number of dedicated lanes for buses and taxis.
- Offering first-mile and last-mile solutions to make public transit more convenient.
- Promoting carpooling and public transport among employees and businesses.
These initiatives align with the RTA vision of encouraging residents and visitors to choose environmentally-friendly and cost-effective public transportation options over private vehicles.
Conclusion
The RTA commitment to expanding intercity bus services and implementing innovative traffic management strategies showcases its dedication to creating a seamless, efficient, and sustainable public transportation network.
These efforts not only address the growing demand for public transit but also contribute to reducing traffic congestion, enhancing environmental sustainability, and improving the overall commuting experience across Dubai and the UAE.