The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai plans to widen its taxi ride-sharing service through a new six-month trial, driven by strong demand since the initiative was first introduced last year.
The upcoming pilot is designed to build on the service’s earlier success, continuing to provide residents and visitors with a convenient, fast and competitively priced travel option.
At present, shared taxi trips operate between Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi.
RTA noted that the service has gained broad acceptance across various community groups, reflecting rising demand for cost-efficient and practical transport between the emirates.
Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said that since its launch last year, the route between Ibn Battuta Mall and Al Wahda Mall has seen a remarkable 228% increase in passengers.
The strong uptake has encouraged RTA to extend the trial to two more key locations: Al Maktoum International Airport, offering routes to Dubai Marina Mall, Business Bay Metro Station and Palm Jumeirah – Atlantis Monorail Station; and Dubai World Trade Centre, linking to Business Bay Metro Station, Al Satwa Bus Station and Dubai Marina Mall.
Shakri added that the addition of new locations follows detailed field studies and route assessments, aimed at reducing fares for passengers, particularly those who rely heavily on this mode of transport within Dubai.
RTA further explained that the initiative aims to ease congestion by allowing multiple passengers to share one taxi, improving traffic flow while also reducing carbon emissions and supporting environmental goals.
