Carries more than half a million riders in six months
25.1% growth in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025
Dubai RTA 5th August 2026:Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has added three new areas—Al Satwa, Al Quoz and Mirdif to its Bus-On-Demand service, bringing the total number of areas covered across Dubai to 20. The latest expansion provides residents and visitors with easier, more flexible mobility options and reinforces RTA’s continued commitment to accessible public transport through smart applications at affordable fares.
During the first half of 2026, the service recorded strong demand growth, carrying 527,000 riders—an increase of 25.1% compared with the same period in 2025. June 2026 recorded the highest monthly ridership since the beginning of the year, with 105,990 riders.
The growing uptake reflects public confidence in the service and its ease of use, particularly following a 54% expansion in operating areas and an increase in the fleet to 55 buses to meet rising demand.
The expansion into three new areas forms part of RTA’s strategy to strengthen first- and last-mile solutions by providing flexible transport options that connect residential areas with public transport stations. This aligns with the Dubai Government’s vision to reinforce the emirate’s pioneership in seamless and sustainable mobility.
RTA outlined a few simple steps for accessing the service: downloading the Dubai Bus on Demand smart app, registering for the service, entering the required information to activate the app, and booking journeys with ease.
The service offers several payment options, including credit cards, debit cards and nol cards, enabling users to complete payments seamlessly.
RTA is committed to the continued development of the service and enhancement of the passenger experience, in support of Dubai’s vision to build a smart, convenient and sustainable public transport system.
The Bus-On-Demand service covers areas including Al Barsha, Al Nahda, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Academic City, Al Rigga, Port Saeed, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Oud Metha, Al Karama, Barsha Heights, Al Mankhool, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Al Warqaa, Dubai Investment Park, JVC, Al Qusais in addition to Al Satwa, Al Quoz and Mirdif.
