Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a major expansion of its dedicated bus and taxi lanes, aiming to drastically reduce travel times and ease congestion across the city. This ambitious project will see six new lanes added to key roads, spanning a total of 13 kilometers. The move is expected to cut travel time by up to 41%, enhancing the speed and reliability of public transport services.
The newly added lanes are part of RTA’s broader strategy to encourage public transport use while making Dubai’s roads more efficient and less congested. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, emphasized that this step aligns with Dubai’s vision of a more connected and sustainable city.
“The expansion of dedicated bus and taxi lanes is designed to improve public transport efficiency, reduce delays, and ultimately encourage more residents to opt for buses and taxis over private vehicles,” Al Tayer stated.
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— RTA (@rta_dubai) May 18, 2025
Where Are the New Lanes Located?
The six new lanes will be introduced across some of Dubai’s busiest streets:
- Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street
- 2nd of December Street
- Al Satwa Street
- Al Nahda Street
- Omar bin Al Khattab Street
- Naif Street
These streets are known for heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. By dedicating lanes exclusively for buses and taxis, RTA aims to keep public transport moving smoothly, even when congestion builds up.
With the addition of these new routes, Dubai’s total length of dedicated bus and taxi lanes will expand to 20 kilometers. This enhancement is not just about speed; it is also about safety and clarity. To prevent accidental usage by private vehicles, the lanes are painted in a distinctive red color. Motorists found driving on these lanes can face fines of AED 600.
RTA Creating Greener Commutes for Dubai Residents
The expansion of bus and taxi lanes is part of a larger push towards sustainable urban mobility in Dubai. The RTA’s efforts reflect a commitment to cutting down travel times while also supporting environmentally friendly public transport options.
Dubai’s bus network currently operates with a fleet of 1,390 buses that complete 11,000 daily trips, covering almost 90% of the city. Every day, these buses transport over 500,000 passengers, covering a distance of around 333,000 kilometers.
In 2024, Dubai’s public bus network served 188 million passengers, marking an 8% increase compared to 2023. This surge in ridership demonstrates growing confidence in the city’s public transport system—a trend that RTA aims to accelerate with the new dedicated lanes.
It matters for dubai’s future
The introduction of new lanes is not just a short-term fix—it’s part of a long-term vision. RTA designs its strategy to make public transport the top choice for daily commutes. By ensuring that buses and taxis face minimal delays, RTA is laying the groundwork for a more seamless, efficient transport system that benefits everyone in the city.
This move also supports Dubai’s sustainability goals. When more people choose public transport over personal vehicles, it reduces congestion, cuts carbon emissions, and improves overall air quality. Dedicated lanes encourage public transit use, reducing road congestion.
Dubai RTA’s Transport Evolution
The RTA’s efforts reflect a broader vision for Dubai’s transport network, which includes not just buses and taxis but also metro, tram, and water transport options. Planners are seamlessly integrating these modes to ensure smooth, hassle-free connectivity across residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Dubai’s Metro and Tram have set high efficiency and convenience standards in the past decade. Now, with dedicated bus and taxi lanes, the city is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
What’s Next for Dubai’s Public Transport?
The new lanes are expected to be fully operational soon, with further plans to expand RTA’s bus network. Mattar Al Tayer hinted at upcoming innovations as the city evolves to meet growing transport demands efficiently and sustainably.
Dubai’s push towards an integrated transport network is clear: faster travel times, smoother commutes, and less congestion. As the city continues to evolve, projects like these are vital to keeping pace with urban development and population growth.
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