Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is widening its taxi ride-sharing service, rolling out a six-month trial across more locations following strong community demand.
The service, first launched last year on the Dubai–Abu Dhabi route between Ibn Battuta Mall and Al Wahda Mall, has seen rapid growth. According to Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, ridership on the shared taxi route has surged by 228 percent since launch. He noted that residents and commuters view it as an affordable, quick and convenient mobility option.
Building on this success, RTA is now expanding the pilot to additional high-traffic destinations.
New shared taxi routes will be introduced from:
- Al Maktoum International Airport, connecting to
– Dubai Marina Mall
– Business Bay Metro Station
– Palm Jumeirah – Atlantis Monorail Station - Dubai World Trade Centre, connecting to
– Business Bay Metro Station
– Al Satwa Bus Station
– Dubai Marina Mall
Shakri said the decision to broaden the service follows extensive field studies and route assessments. “The aim is to reduce travel costs for riders, especially those who depend on taxis for daily movement within Dubai,” he said.
Beyond affordability, the initiative supports wider transport goals. Ride-sharing helps reduce congestion by placing multiple passengers in one vehicle, easing traffic flow and lowering carbon emissions. The system also provides a safe, regulated alternative to unlicensed transport.
All shared taxis are part of the RTA fleet and come equipped with safety features, including cameras connected to the Operations Control Centre and systems that monitor driver performance to ensure a secure and comfortable journey.
