Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has completed 30% of a project expanding the emirate’s dedicated bus and taxi lane network, a move expected to significantly reduce travel times and improve public transport reliability.
The project covers 14.5 kilometers of new dedicated lanes across six major roads: Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street, 2nd December Street, Al Satwa Street, Al Nahda Street, Omar Bin Al Khattab Street and Naif Street.
Once completed, Dubai’s dedicated bus lane network will expand to 20.6 kilometers from its current 6.1 kilometers.
According to the RTA, bus travel times during peak hours are expected to decrease by between 24% and 59% on routes using the new lanes.
The largest reduction is projected on Naif Street at 59%, followed by Al Satwa Street at 54%, Omar Bin Al Khattab Street at 50%, and Al Nahda Street at 38%.
Bus arrival times are also expected to improve by between 28% and 56%, with the most significant gains forecast on 2nd December Street and Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street.
The expansion builds on three earlier phases of dedicated bus lanes that reduced travel times by an average of five minutes per trip, equivalent to a 24% improvement.
RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer said the project is expected to encourage greater use of public transportation, with bus ridership projected to increase by as much as 30% on some routes.
Dubai currently operates dedicated lanes for buses and taxis on selected roads, with the lanes marked in red to distinguish them from regular traffic lanes.
Private motorists who use the dedicated lanes without authorization face a fine of Dh600.
Authorities said the project is part of broader efforts to improve public transport efficiency, reduce congestion and support sustainable mobility across the emirate.
