RTA Broadens Bus Service on Demand to Include Oud Metha and Barsha Heights
Dubai Expands Bus-On-Demand Service to 12 Busy Neighborhoods
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its Bus-On-Demand service to 12 of the busiest neighborhoods, including Downtown and Business Bay, as part of efforts to improve localized public transport options and connectivity within the city.
The exact launch dates for this expansion are not specified, but the service is actively growing alongside other transport initiatives in 2025. The latest inclusion of Oud Metha and Barsha Heights strengthens the transport network.
The Bus-On-Demand service is now available in Oud Metha and Barsha Heights, following the previous expansions to Business Bay and Downtown Dubai. Compact 13-seater buses connect designated areas in these neighborhoods.
The app-based booking system allows for flexible, demand-responsive routing and scheduling, reflecting global best practices in On-Demand bus services. The service also integrates with fixed-route public transit to improve first-mile/last-mile connectivity.
RTA conducted extensive field studies before launching the expansion, considering factors such as user demographics, vehicle ownership, proximity to transport hubs, and affordability. The service enhances first- and last-mile connectivity by linking residential communities to public transport stations.
The Bus-On-Demand service facilitates seamless movement between adjacent zones, operated through an intelligent response system. The expansion aims to enhance daily mobility, ease traffic congestion, and improve public transport connectivity across the emirate.
In addition to the Bus-On-Demand service, RTA is launching five new public bus routes starting August 29, 2025, while upgrading nine existing routes to meet increased demand and support urban growth. The authority also plans to introduce new buses between 2025 and 2026 to support geographic expansion.
Moreover, RTA aims to convert its entire public bus fleet to electric and hydrogen vehicles by 2050, aligning with sustainability goals. This comprehensive expansion reflects RTA’s commitment to enhancing public transport connectivity, convenience, and sustainability across Dubai.
| Aspect | Details | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Service Areas | Expanded to 12 busy neighborhoods including Downtown, Business Bay, Al ...[5] | | Expansion Launch Dates | New bus routes start August 29, 2025; On-Demand expanded recently in 2025[1][5] | | Bus Fleet Expansion | New buses arriving 2025-2026 for wider network coverage[2][4] | | Sustainability Goal | Entire bus fleet to be electric/hydrogen by 2050[2][4] | | Global Best Practices | App-based booking, integration with mass transit, electric vehicles, data-driven optimization[General knowledge & implied in Dubai’s approach] |
Passengers can book rides via the Dubai-Bus On-Demand app, available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play. The service's significance has been highlighted by Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA's Public Transport Agency. The expansion of the Bus-On-Demand service is a testament to Dubai's commitment to providing a convenient, flexible, and tech-driven transport solution for its growing commuter base.
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