Dubai's RTA launches on-demand public transportation in the city

Dubai, UAE (Urban Transport News): Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of public mobility solutions, today launched a new on-demand public transportation deployment in Dubai in partnership with United Trans, a leading transportation operator, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The new service called Dubai Bus on Demand is designed to seamlessly connect more riders to transport hubs throughout the city, increasing the adoption of public transportation use over private vehicles, and reducing traffic congestion and pollution caused by carbon emissions. Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via, said:

We are thrilled to partner with our innovative friends at the Road & Transport Authority to bring Via’s technology to the United Arab Emirates. The all-new Dubai Bus on Demand service is an excellent example of how public transportation and technology can work together to make a city smarter. Dubai is truly embracing the future of mobility by providing its residents a more comfortable, convenient, and affordable way to move around.

Using the all-new Dubai Bus on Demand app (iOS and Android), riders will be able to hail a vehicle directly from their smartphone in specific zones surrounding major transportation hubs. Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle. The powerful technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules. The initiative provides service to areas with low demand for public transport, reduces operational costs integrate with existing public transport and reduce riders’ wait times. Dubai Bus on-Demand serves locations throughout the city including Al Barsha, Dubai Internet City, International City, The Greens, and Silicon Oasis. Using Via’s technology, the RTA is able to solve Dubai’s first- and last-mile challenge of getting residents to existing transportation infrastructure in a comfortable, flexible, and affordable manner. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, RTA, said:

The Dubai Bus on Demand service is a mobility mode that contributes to easing the first- and last-mile challenges. It involves deploying on-demand mini-buses via a smart app in specific areas of Dubai. Following successful trials on this vital service, RTA decided to officially launch the service in certain communities.

“During the trial operation phase, RTA verified the service efficiency parameters namely accessibility to riders, response time, and transit time. A survey was carried out at metro stations to screen the needs, ideas and views of residents about the service before the full operation so that the service can measure up to their expectations of safe and smooth transport,” added Bahrozyan The Dubai Bus on-Demand service is operated and managed by United Trans, a subsidiary of the Alserkal Group. Ahmad Bin Eisa Alserkal, Chairman of Alserkal Group, said:

We are really excited to partner with Via and RTA in creating this new mode of transport. This innovative mobility solution will further contribute to Dubai’s status as one of the leading smart cities in the world. In the initial weeks, we have been receiving excellent feedback from the public and we look forward to expanding this partnership with the RTA.

The initiative was also based on optimal land use, projected passenger use cases, average individual incomes, age groups, population density, avoiding competition with current public transit infrastructure, and requests received from the public. Dubai Bus on Demand is operated by the leading transportation provider United Trans, which has successfully completed projects with the RTA, Etihad Rail, Dubai Metro, Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Oman Airport Management Company. The RTA and United Trans now join a number of high-profile transportation agencies turning to Via to help develop the next generation of public transportation.