By Desmond Nleya
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its Bus-On-Demand service to four additional areas — Al Qusais, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Al Warqa’a and Dubai Investments Park (DIP) — following a sharp rise in passenger demand across the emirate.
The expansion increases the service coverage to 17 locations citywide, reinforcing Dubai’s efforts to improve smart mobility and first-and-last-mile transport connections.
According to RTA figures, the Bus-On-Demand service recorded nearly 985,000 riders in 2025, compared to just over 417,000 in the previous year. The increase of more than 567,000 passengers reflects a remarkable 136 per cent growth in ridership, highlighting growing public reliance on flexible shared transport solutions.
The service currently operates with a fleet of 49 minibuses across key residential and commercial districts, including Al Barsha, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Silicon Oasis, DIFC and Al Karama.
Passengers can book trips through the Dubai Bus-On-Demand smart application, which allows users to choose pickup and drop-off points in real time instead of relying on fixed bus routes. The system is designed to reduce waiting times and improve commuting efficiency.
RTA confirmed that fares remain at AED 5 per trip, while shared rides cost AED 4 for each additional passenger. Free rides are also being offered temporarily as part of a promotional rollout campaign aimed at encouraging more residents to use the service.
The authority said the initiative supports Dubai’s broader smart transport strategy by connecting communities with metro stations, public bus routes and major business districts while helping reduce traffic congestion and dependence on private vehicles.
RTA added that more service expansions and fare enhancements are planned in the next phase of the project.
Source: Dubai Media Office
