Dubai to expand bus and taxi lanes as public transport ridership grows by 7.4%

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to expand bus and taxi lanes as public transport ridership touched 802.1 million in 2025, marking a 7.4 per cent growth from 747.1 million riders in 2024.

"RTA intends to expand dedicated lanes for buses and taxis during 2025 and 2026, including the implementation of six new corridors extending 13 km, increasing the total length of dedicated bus and taxi lanes to 20 km," said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.

"These lanes will contribute to a 10 per cent increase in ridership, improve bus on-time performance by 42 per cent, and reduce bus journey times by 41 per cent."

He also revealed plans to introduce trackless tram across eight locations in Dubai. "This advanced, autonomous and environmentally friendly system operates on electric power and uses a virtual track guided by camera-based detection of painted road markings. It offers lower costs and shorter implementation timelines compared with conventional tram systems,” he added.

Average daily ridership exceeded 2.2 million riders, up from 2 million in 2024. Additionally, luxury transport services (limousines) recorded 23.6 million users.

The total trips across public transport, shared mobility, and taxis reached 167.3 million trips, including 120 million taxi trips and more than 41 million shared mobility trips.

October and November recorded the highest trip volumes, each reaching 15.1 million trips. October 2025 also saw the highest monthly passenger volume, with nearly 72.8 million riders, followed by November with 72.6 million and December with 71.4 million riders.

Ridership for the remaining months ranged between 61 million and 69 million.

#RTA announced that the number of users of public transport and shared mobility services in Dubai — including Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, and marine transport modes comprising abras, ferries and water taxis — in addition to shared mobility options such as app-based… pic.twitter.com/9dHscxJhm7

— RTA (@rta_dubai) February 15, 2026

Al Tayer added that "continued rise in demand across Dubai’s public transport system demonstrates the network’s ability to operate with high efficiency, supported by the seamless integration of metro, tram, buses, marine transport and shared mobility services. The diversity of options caters to daily mobility needs, providing flexible and safe alternatives that serve different user segments".

“RTA continues to advance an intelligent, sustainable and integrated public transport system by expanding metro, tram and bus networks, enhancing the efficiency of marine transport, and supporting shared mobility solutions. We are also deploying artificial intelligence technologies in data management and in designing the customer journey, in line with Dubai’s future aspirations as a leading global city and reinforcing its position among the world’s best cities to live, work and visit.”