Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the successful completion of upgrades at 22 key public bus locations across the city—an initiative that reflects a focused push toward better urban mobility and more efficient commuter services.
The upgrade spans 16 passenger stations and six major bus depots, with each location enhanced to support growing demand and improve daily experiences for residents and visitors alike.
This move falls in line with RTA’s wider commitment to offer smart, integrated transport options that cater to every type of commuter, including cyclists and people of determination.
Improved Stations Designed Around Commuter Needs
The upgraded passenger stations—nine in Deira and seven in Bur Dubai—now provide a more comfortable and accessible environment for the thousands who rely on buses daily.
Renovations include:
- Upgraded waiting areas with better ventilation and seating
- Modern façades are designed to reflect the city’s infrastructure standards
- New pedestrian pavements that improve safety and flow
- Prayer areas at selected high-traffic stations
Together, these stations serve over 110 routes, handling up to 710 buses per hour during peak periods. These upgrades reduce congestion, shorten wait times, and enhance commuter services in busy city areas.
Depot Upgrades to Support Better Bus Operations
Beyond passenger facilities, six strategic bus depots in areas such as Al Qusais, Al Awir, Al Quoz, Al Khawaneej, Jebel Ali, and Al Ruwayah have undergone full-scale enhancements.
Key improvements at these depots include:
- Modern maintenance workshops
- Dedicated lanes for quicker inspections
- Upgraded driver accommodation and rest areas
- Better lighting and drainage systems
- Redesigned parking areas to improve movement and reduce delays
These changes will help reduce service downtime, improve bus turnaround times, and support the expanding public transport fleet.
Enhancing Multi-Modal Connectivity
A key aspect of the upgrade is how it fits into RTA’s long-term goal of creating seamless connections between different transport services. The refurbished stations and depots now support first and last-mile solutions, ensuring smoother access to Metro stations, taxis, and pedestrian walkways.
To support this, RTA has added:
- Dedicated cycling infrastructure at various stations
- Pedestrian-friendly walkways with improved signage and lighting
- Linkages to key Metro lines and taxi zones
This approach not only boosts commuter convenience but also encourages residents to shift from private cars to public transport—an important objective in Dubai’s broader sustainability and mobility goals.
A Stronger, Greener Bus Fleet
The infrastructure upgrades are being reinforced by the introduction of 637 new buses into the public fleet between 2025 and 2026, demonstrating RTA’s proactive investment in both service quality and sustainability.
The new fleet will include:
- 400 MAN city buses – 12 metres in length, capacity of 86 passengers
- 76 Volvo double-decker buses – 13 metres, capacity of 98 passengers
- 70 Isuzu articulated buses – 18 metres, capacity of 111 passengers
- 51 Zhongtong city buses – 12 metres, 72 passengers
- 40 fully electric, zero-emission Zhongtong buses, purpose-built for the region
These vehicles meet Euro 6 low-emission standards, a first in the Middle East and North Africa region. The electric buses mark a significant step in Dubai’s clean energy and transport transformation strategy, reducing both operational costs and environmental impact.
Focus on Sustainable, People-Friendly Transport
By integrating comfort, safety, and connectivity into the very design of stations and bus operations, RTA is taking a commuter-first approach to public infrastructure. Special attention has been paid to:
- Accessibility for people with determination
- Energy-efficient systems in stations and depots
- Enhanced safety with upgraded surveillance and lighting
- New maintenance technologies to improve service reliability
The aim is to future-proof Dubai’s public transport network while responding to the city’s growing population and changing mobility needs.
Dubai’s public transport network continues to evolve, and this latest upgrade is more than just an infrastructure revamp. It reflects a strategic shift towards reliable, modern, and inclusive commuting. From upgraded waiting zones to smarter route integration and a cleaner bus fleet, RTA’s efforts are setting a new benchmark in the region.
Residents can expect quicker, cleaner, and more connected journeys, no matter where they live or work in the emirate.
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