UAE | Traffic and Transport

Record numbers hopping onto Dubai Metro and buses

More people are opting for mass transport system, says top Dubai Roads and Transport Authority official.

By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
Published: 00:00 July 11, 2010

The total number of Dubai Metro passengers on a daily basis averages around 112,100

Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
The total number of Dubai Metro passengers on a daily basis averages around 112,100.

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Dubai: Dubai's plan to lure more people onto public transport has started gaining momentum as the number of commuters on the Metro and buses is rapidly increasing on a daily basis.

More than 23 million passengers have used the Dubai Metro since its launching last September 9, the latest Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) statistics reveal.

Dubai introduced a comprehensive integrated public transport system with the launching of its driverless Metro last year at the cost of Dh28 billion.

The number of public buses has also increased from less than 500 in early 2009 to more than 1,500 this year.

"A larger number of people is using the public transport whenever and wherever it is possible for them, leaving their private cars at home," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA.

The average number of passengers on the Metro each day increased from 35,000 last year to 110,000.

Comments (14)

Added 15:14 July 11, 2010

Even though the number of commuters using the Metro is huge why is it that we are still seeing traffic on the roads especially during peak hours? as the population is getting more and more , people tend to use their cars more. ofcourse when using the metro your not that free to do any thing like eating and drinking .so for me i never used the metro yet. i am still waiting for the quasis station to open so that i can commute to work leaving my car at home as the parking in karama is a nightmare. i know the quasis station is taking a lot of time . i also hope that this service could be 24/7 so more and more commuters can availe use of this service. it would help people who working late hours.

Mathew Litty, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:57 July 11, 2010

Hi, My question is despite the immense strategic planning and resources available to the RTA for providing Transportation services to Dubai's residents, how come, I live in International City ( one of the most populated residential areas in dubai ) and work in Dubai Media City, but there is no direct transportation available from and to these two places, there are in-direct routes available, but takes more than 2 hours & 2 changes either way. How does RTA justify this type of neglect in connecting two prominent areas.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:25 July 11, 2010

Metro is one of the best public transportation in the world. RTA did a great job on this. Please one concern if you can open the Metro on friday at earlier time it would be great and helped for us who is working on that day.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:30 July 11, 2010

Dear RTA Request to keep first train timing is at 0500 HRS Metro is huge success and more initiatives need to take regarding time of operation and one more compartment for ladies. I hope from 09/09/2010 RTA will run first train from 05 AM

Purushotham Reddy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:56 July 11, 2010

A message to RTA: please if you can speed up completing the red line, particuarly the First Gulf Bank Station. There are a number of us working in that area and we have to go MOE, then take the bus from there, then walk for 20 minutes under the scorching heat...we wouldn't mind walking if it were winter....Thank you.

Amor, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:46 July 11, 2010

First of all, we should all applaud for the success of the Dubai Metro. However, RTA has either cancelled or reduced the number of buses in certain locations to promote the use of the Metro in these areas. I really hope RTA could do more to keep the existence of those bus routes so that people who may not be able to afford using the metro can use the bus, as an alternative mode of transport.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:33 July 11, 2010

I totally agree with Prachish Vasudeva's comments. RTA should do better study in planning the bus routes. Some bus routes are over crowded (union metro to Naif Road) while some bus routes are always empty (like C2 from Union metro till Zabeel park). Without any alternative they have curtailed X23 at Gold Souq.

Mohammad Gani, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:12 July 11, 2010

Dear RTA Dubai Metro is giving very very good services and good Environmental friendly services. people are enjoy to travel its nice but sir i notice one thinks all metro station there is Escalator to go out from station but Dubai Internet City station no escalator to go outside people are still using staircase. what about aged people so please do the need full Thank..

Mohammad Mushtaq, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:36 July 11, 2010

Hi RTA, Metro is the Best service RTA has offered Clean,Environmental Friendly service however its too crowded during peak hours! All in All best Service! Dubai with mParking, Salik, Metro is truly 21st century City (Off course with little problems)

Mohammad Sarfaraz, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:32 July 11, 2010

The Dubai Metro has been a huge success, but can be further improved by providing bus routes that are suitable and relevant to the commuters and increasing the operating hours of the Metro service. Dear RTA, Please inform the public regarding the opening date for the JLT station. Thanks.

Ahmad, Dubai, United Arab Emirates