Good news, ka-TFT! The ‘Bus on Demand’ service is now available in Oud Metha and Barsha Heights!
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) added these two areas as more people use the service—thanks to its low fare of only 5 dirhams per trip.
The ‘Bus on Demand’ service allows passengers to book small public buses using its mobile app, available on Apple Store and Google Play. Each bus can carry up to 13 passengers and operates within specific areas, taking commuters from their locations to the nearest public transport stations.
Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at the Public Transport Agency of the RTA, said: “The RTA has expanded the scope of this service to 10 vital areas in the emirate to meet the growing demand for this service.”
“It was previously operated in vital areas such as Al Barsha, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Al Nahda, and more recently in Business Bay and Downtown Dubai,” Shakri said. “It is witnessing a large turnout among a large segment of public transport users, especially since the new expansion of the service includes important vital areas in addition to enabling movement between the two adjacent areas.”
The system is built on smart response technology, which connects passengers to available buses through the app. Commuters can select their starting point and destination and pay the fare through digital channels, making the service both easy and efficient.
Before launching the service, the RTA conducted field surveys that considered factors such as population size, vehicle ownership, distance to public transport stations, waiting times, and rider preferences for comfort and punctuality.
The on-demand buses are part of Dubai’s efforts to ease traffic congestion and enhance travel convenience. Inspired by successful systems in countries like Spain, Germany, the United States, and Finland, the service continues to integrate well with Dubai’s overall public transport network.
