Dubai's Public Transport Usage Surges in Early 2025, Recording a Total of 395 Million Trips, Marking a 9% Increase from the Previous Year
In the heart of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai's public transport system has experienced a significant boost in the first half of 2025. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reported an impressive 395.3 million rides, surpassing the entire US population, with daily rides reaching nearly 2.2 million.
This growth can be attributed to the integration of Dubai's mobility network, which has enhanced public transport, shared mobility, and taxi usage. The RTA's efforts to expand transit lines, improve connectivity, and introduce flexible mobility solutions have paid off, as the city's residents and visitors take advantage of these improvements.
One of the ongoing developments in Dubai's public transport system is the 30 km extension of the Metro Blue Line, adding 14 new stations and serving about one million residents across nine districts. This expansion aligns with Dubai's 2040 Urban Plan, ensuring the city's transport infrastructure keeps pace with its growing population and ambitions.
The revamping of the public bus network has also been a key factor in the increased usage. New stops and updated routes have enhanced citywide connectivity, making it easier for residents and visitors to navigate Dubai. The RTA has procured 637 new multi-sized buses compliant with Euro 6 low-emission standards, including 40 electric buses, as part of their commitment to a sustainable and eco-friendly public transport fleet.
Shared mobility services have also seen a surge in usage, with 37.6 million rides in the first half of 2025. The RTA aims to raise the public transport and shared mobility share to 25% by 2030, further encouraging the use of these environmentally friendly transportation options.
Looking ahead to 2030, the RTA plans to continue this momentum through several strategic initiatives. Autonomous vehicle services are on the horizon, with pilot trials of self-driving cars launched in 2025 and a planned full commercial rollout of autonomous taxis by 2026. The goal is for 25% of all trips in Dubai to be autonomous by 2030 under the Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy.
The RTA also plans to continue expanding public transport infrastructure to make it the preferred commuting option. Smart network growth, strong connectivity between transit lines, and inclusive mobility solutions will be key to achieving this goal. Infrastructure projects to reduce travel time and improve road efficiency, such as the AED 750 million strategic project to enhance federal roads and traffic flow, will further facilitate integrated and efficient mobility across the emirates.
HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA, attributed the growth in public transport usage to Dubai's integrated mobility network and user trust in the system's efficiency. With these ongoing developments, it's clear that Dubai is committed to providing its residents and visitors with a modern, efficient, and sustainable public transport system.
[1] RTA Press Release: "RTA Reports 395.3 Million Public Transport, Shared Mobility, and Taxi Rides in H1 2025" [2] RTA Press Release: "RTA Announces Strategy to Achieve 25% Autonomous Trips by 2030" [3] RTA Press Release: "AED 750 Million Project to Enhance Federal Roads and Traffic Flow" [4] RTA Press Release: "Revamping of Public Bus Network to Boost Citywide Connectivity" [5] RTA Press Release: "Dubai's Mobility Network Integration Boosts Public Transport Usage"
- The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is focusing on sustainability and finance, aiming to raise the public transport and shared mobility share to 25% by 2030, as part of their strategic plan to encourage the use of eco-friendly transportation options in Dubai's industry.
- In an effort to ensure the city's transport infrastructure keeps pace with its growing population and ambitions, the RTA is undertaking an expansion of the Metro Blue Line by 30 km, adding 14 new stations and serving about one million residents across nine districts, in line with Dubai's 2040 Urban Plan.
- To improve public-transit and transportation options, the RTA has procured 637 new multi-sized buses compliant with Euro 6 low-emission standards, including 40 electric buses, and introduced autonomous vehicle services as part of their commitment to developing a modern, efficient, and sustainable public transport system in Dubai.
