Some students have expressed frustration with the driving license process, while others have changed schools
On average, over 1.8 million people used public transport services daily in Dubai in the first eight months of this year. From January to August 2023, public transport ridership clocked 450 million passengers, marking a 12 per cent increase over 401 million recorded during the same period in 2022.
The Dubai Metro was the most popular mode, serving 167 million riders. Taxis came in at second, with 130 million users. Public buses transported 111 million riders, marine transport ferried 11 million, and Dubai Tram served 5.6 million. Shared transportation means, including e-hail, smart rentals, and bus-on-demand, served about 26 million passengers.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced these statistics as it geared up to celebrate its 18th anniversary and the 14th Public Transport Day initiative on November 1. Themed ‘Gym on the Go’, the event aims to promote physical fitness and encourage residents and visitors to use public transportation modes.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Directors, said the share of mass transport in people’s mobility increased from 6 per cent in 2006 to 20.61 per cent in 2022.
The RTA said Dubai’s interconnected public transport has become the backbone of people’s mobility around the Emirate.
The RTA has carried out “an array of mega projects” worth about Dh146 billion. These include the Dubai Metro, the world’s longest driverless metro system stretching 89.3km; the 11-km-long Dubai Tram; 1,400-strong bus fleet; and marine transport systems encompassing traditional Abras, ferries and water taxis.
Between 2006 and 2022, the Emirate’s road network expanded from 8,715 to 18,768 lane-km. The number of bridges and tunnels surged from 129 to 988. During the same period, the number of footbridges and subways (including Dubai Metro and Tram facilities) increased more than fourfold from 26 to 122.
Cycling lanes grew from 9km to 543 km and will reach 833km by 2026. Coastal areas like Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, and Marina will be connected to outer tracks at Al Qudra, Saih Al Salam, and Nad Al Sheba across Al Barsha, Dubai Hills, and Nad Al Sheba.
Last May, the RTA unveiled its ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050’ strategy. The initiative, which aims to mitigate climate change impacts and decrease the carbon footprint across all its operations, encompasses transforming 100 per cent of public buses to electricity- and hydrogen-powered by 2050. Taxis and limousines will be electricity- or hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2040.
ALSO READ:
Some students have expressed frustration with the driving license process, while others have changed schools
A two-bedroom villa will come for Dh29 million while a four-bedroom will cost Dh46 million
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, co-founder of Seafood Souq, underlines the need for transparency in the seafood supply chain
Authorities were trying to lift the truck and clear the site
Centenarian Rachida Smati was also fast-tracked through the airport and taken to the First-Class lounge where she could relax before boarding
Often dubbed as the 'iPad kid' phenomenon, this behaviour has experts concerned about the effects it has on mental health and overall well-being
The foundation will collaborate with local entities and communities as well as global humanitarian organisations
A fine of not less than Dh50,000 and not more than Dh200,000 will be imposed on anyone who employs domestic help without a work permit