Dubai RTA Unveils Major Bus Network Upgrade to Improve Travel Times

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a series of upgrades to the city’s public transportation network, focusing on expanding and enhancing the bus system. The initiative is part of a wider strategy to improve accessibility, reduce travel times, and strengthen the integration between bus routes and the Dubai Metro system.

As part of the plan, four new metro-link bus routes will be introduced across key districts. These include new services operating between Etisalat Bus Station and both Oud Al Muteena and Mirdif, as well as routes connecting Al Khail Metro Station to Dubai Internet City and linking Dubai Internet City Metro Station to Dubai Knowledge Village. Each of these services will operate at 30-minute intervals, designed to facilitate smoother last-mile connections for metro users and increase public transport coverage in high-demand areas.

In addition to new routes, the RTA will implement six new dedicated lanes for buses and taxis, covering a combined distance of 13 kilometers. Once completed, the total length of dedicated bus lanes in the emirate will reach 20 kilometers. The expansion is expected to yield measurable impacts, including a projected 10% increase in public transport ridership, a 42% improvement in bus arrival times, and a 41% reduction in journey durations across major routes.

The initiative also includes upgrades to 35 existing bus routes to enhance punctuality and ensure broader geographic coverage. These enhancements reflect the RTA’s continued efforts to encourage public transport use, alleviate road congestion, and support the city’s broader goals for sustainable urban mobility.