Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has extended its Bus-On-Demand service to Al Qusais, Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Warqa'a and Dubai Investments Park, bringing the total coverage to 17 areas across the emirate — a move driven by surging demand and rapid ridership growth.
The expansion comes on the back of a standout 2025, with the service recording 984,929 riders, up from 417,315 the previous year — a jump of over 567,000 riders representing 136% growth. The figures signal strong public confidence in the on-demand model as a daily commuting option.
The service now operates across 17 zones, supported by a fleet of 49 buses. Previous coverage included areas such as Al Barsha, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Silicon Oasis, DIFC and Al Karama, among others.
Central to the service's appeal is its app-based booking system. Riders use the Dubai Bus-On-Demand smart app to select pick-up and drop-off points, with minibuses responding to real-time demand rather than fixed routes. This reduces wait times and improves overall journey efficiency.
Fares are set at AED 5 per trip, with shared rides available at AED 4 for each additional rider. RTA is currently offering free trips during a promotional launch phase to encourage wider public adoption.
The expansion supports Dubai's first and last-mile connectivity goals, linking residential communities to metro stations, bus stops and business hubs while reducing dependence on private vehicles.
RTA has confirmed that further area expansions and refinements to the fare structure are planned for the next phase, positioning Bus-On-Demand as a core pillar of Dubai's evolving smart transport network.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
