Dubai passengers take 84k journeys using Bus On-Demand service

The Bus On-Demand service has completed 84,009 trips from the start of the service last February until September, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced.

The service, which covers Al Barsha 1 and the Dubai Internet City, proved to be a hit with customers receiving a satisfaction rating as high as 4.7 out of 5 points, said the authority.

"The Bus On-Demand service is meant to support the first and last-mile strategy and involves operating on-demand minibuses within specific zones. The service is accessible via the Bus On-Demand App and is operated in districts where the demand for public transport is high. Operating 84,009 journeys by five Mercedes Sprinter buses is a testament to the importance of the service albeit the challenges of the pandemic," said Adel Shakeri, director of planning and business development at the RTA's Public Transport Agency.

The second phase of the service will be launched this month following the success of the initial phase. "A plan is being drawn up for the launch of second of the service this September to cover more areas like the International City, The Greens, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, while giving due consideration to the exceptional prevailing circumstances. During this phase, the RTA will deploy smaller buses capable of negotiating narrow streets and reaching to clients at any place," said Shakeri.

"The Bus On-Demand service has multiple advantages highlighted by route flexibility that provides better services to certain customer categories. Moreover, it cuts the operational costs, riders waiting time, wasted kilometres, and the movement of private vehicles within those areas. Thus, it curbs carbon emissions, enhances the integration of mass transit modes, and addresses the first and last-mile mobility challenge via high-end buses," he added.