The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its 'Bus on Demand' service to Business Bay following a successful month-long trial, as part of the initiative's planned rollout. Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA's Public Transport Agency, stated, "The decision to extend the 'Bus on Demand' service to Business Bay aims to strengthen the mass transit network and alleviate congestion in critical areas." The program also addresses the growing need for the service in the Business Bay, which serves as a hub for many of the emirate's corporate offices and firms.
"The initiative relies on a smart response system that tailors bus availability to user demand." This service is provided by micro public buses that connect various places using a smart app that allows consumers to specify their journey from start to finish and pay the appropriate charges. "The service provides an innovative solution for first and last-mile trips and connects customers' residential areas to the nearest mass transit stations," Shakri said.
Before launching the service a few years ago, RTA conducted a comprehensive field survey based on several criteria, including potential users' demographics, vehicle ownership rates, mobility options, proximity to public transport stations, and preferred mobility options (walking distance, waiting time, etc.). Other factors considered were comfort, punctuality, the service's on-demand nature, proximity to homes and mobility destinations, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. RTA also examined top international practices from Spain, Germany, the United States, and Finland.
The Dubai Bus On Demand app, which is accessible on both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store for smartphones and devices, powers the service. The service runs 14-seater buses that travel throughout different regions on flexible timetables and timings. Drivers of these buses can contact directly with service requesters using the app, allowing them to find the closest point to a user's position within the service's current coverage areas: Al Barsha, Al Nahda, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Business Bay.
