Prime Highlights:
- RTA will expand its taxi ride-sharing service under a six-month trial to offer cheaper travel and ease traffic.
- The move comes after a 228% rise in ridership on the existing Ibn Battuta–Al Wahda route.
Key Facts:
- New starting points at Al Maktoum Airport and Dubai World Trade Centre will connect riders to major destinations.
- All taxis have cameras and driver monitoring systems to ensure passenger safety.
Background
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will expand its taxi ride-sharing service under a six-month trial, following strong demand since the initiative launched last year. The move aims to give commuters cheaper travel options and help the city control rising traffic.
According to RTA, the existing shared route connecting Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai with Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has recorded a 228% rise in ridership. The service has become popular among passengers seeking a quicker and lower-cost option for intercity travel.
Encouraged by the high uptake, RTA will introduce two new starting points as part of the trial: Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai World Trade Centre. These points will connect riders to major destinations, including Dubai Marina Mall, Business Bay Metro Station, Al Satwa Bus Station, and the Palm Jumeirah Atlantis Monorail Station.
Adel Shakri, director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said the expansion followed detailed field studies and route analysis. He noted that the new routes are designed to ease fare costs for commuters who rely on taxis for frequent travel within Dubai.
RTA said the initiative supports efforts to curb traffic congestion by allowing multiple passengers to share one vehicle, reducing the number of taxis on the road, and lowering emissions. The authority added that the service also offers a safe and regulated alternative to unlicensed transport, which remains a concern in busy areas.
The ride-sharing company ensures passenger safety by outfitting all its taxis with safety measures, such as cameras connected to the Operations Control Centre and systems that track driver performance throughout the journey.
The trial expansion is expected to guide future decisions on making ride-sharing a wider, long-term option for Dubai commuters.
