Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is widening its taxi ride-sharing service after a surge in demand, launching a six-month trial that will add new routes across the emirate.
The move builds on the strong uptake of the service introduced last year between Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi.
According to Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, ridership on the Dubai–Abu Dhabi shared route has risen by 228 percent since launch. The growing demand encouraged the Authority to extend the service to two additional hubs.
The first hub is Al Maktoum International Airport, which will offer shared taxi routes to Dubai Marina Mall, Business Bay Metro Station and Palm Jumeirah Atlantis Monorail Station. The second hub is Dubai World Trade Centre, with routes connecting to Business Bay Metro Station, Al Satwa Bus Station and Dubai Marina Mall.
Shakri noted that the expanded trial follows field studies and detailed route analysis aimed at improving affordability for riders who rely on taxis for regular travel within Dubai.
The initiative is also aligned with broader transport objectives. By enabling multiple passengers to share a single taxi, the service supports efforts to ease congestion, improve traffic flow and reduce carbon emissions.
RTA stated that the service continues to discourage unlicensed transport by offering a reliable alternative. The shared taxis are equipped with safety features, including cameras linked to the Operations Control Centre and systems that monitor driver performance, ensuring safe and comfortable travel for passengers.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
