Metro, buses, taxis: Dubai’s public transit ridership reaches new high in 2025

Dubai: Dubai’s public transport network is now moving more than 2.18 million people each day, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

RTA announced on Sunday that its integrated public transport systems including the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport, taxis, and app-based mobility services, served approximately 395.3 million riders in the first half of 2025.

This represents a 9% increase compared to around 361.2 million riders during the same period in 2024. Average daily ridership rose to 2.18 million, up from 1.98 million a year earlier.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, attributed the increase to enhanced confidence in the city’s growing and reliable transit network.

“The continued growth in public transport ridership reflects users’ confidence in the system’s efficiency and the quality of services provided across all modes. We remain committed to delivering safe, comfortable, and sustainable mobility solutions for every segment of society,” said Al Tayer.

Integral to daily lives

He highlighted how public transport has become integral to the daily lives of residents and visitors.

“Dubai’s public transport network has undergone a major transformation, driven by advanced infrastructure and a diverse range of transit options that now form the backbone of mobility for residents and visitors across the emirate. As a result, the share of journeys using public transport and shared mobility has increased from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024,” he added.

Looking ahead, Al Tayer said the RTA is focused on making public transport the preferred choice for commuters.

He explained: “We are moving forward with a clear vision to make public transport the preferred choice for daily commuting by smartly expanding transport lines and networks, strengthening connectivity between stations and key destinations, and offering flexible, inclusive mobility solutions.”

Metro Blue Line

One of the key ongoing projects is the Dubai Metro Blue Line, now under construction. Spanning 30 kilometres with 14 stations, the line will serve nine major districts with a combined population of around one million, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan.

Al Tayer also outlined RTA’s commitment to sustainability through a major fleet upgrade.

“Earlier, RTA signed four agreements to procure 637 multi-sized buses compliant with the European low-emission standard ‘Euro 6,’ including 40 electric buses, the largest and first fleet of its kind in the UAE. The buses will be delivered in 2025 and 2026 and will support the geographic expansion of the public bus network across the emirate. They also align with our strategic objective to convert the entire public bus fleet to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2050. This month, we completed the development of 16 bus passenger stations and six depots, as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of services provided to all users,” he added.

Breakdown of ridership

According to the RTA, Dubai Metro and taxis recorded the highest ridership shares, at 36.5% and 26%, respectively. Public buses followed with a 24% share.

May was the busiest month, recording 68.8 million riders, with other months ranging between 61 and 68 million.

“There was a 9% increase in ridership during the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2024, a key indicator of the recovery in economic activity across the emirate of Dubai, as well as the effectiveness of the RTA’s strategies and initiatives to encourage both residents and visitors to use public transport and to offer diverse mobility options throughout the city,” said Al Tayer.

“Dubai’s public transport network, with all components operating in full integration, serves as the backbone of mobility across the emirate. It has succeeded in fostering a positive shift in public attitudes toward mass transit across all segments of society,” he added.

Metro station highlights

A total of 143.9 million riders used the Red and Green Lines of Dubai Metro in H1 2025. Among the most active stations:

• BurJuman Station: 8.6 million riders

• Al Rigga Station: 6.8 million

• Union Station: 6.6 million

• Mall of the Emirates Station: 5.6 million

• Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station: 5.4 million

• Business Bay Station: 5.3 million

• Sharaf DG (Green Line): 5.1 million

• Baniyas Station: 4.1 million

• Stadium Station: 3.6 million

Other Modes of Transport

Dubai Tram: 4.9 million riders

Public Buses: 95.7 million riders

Marine Transport: 9.7 million riders

Shared Mobility Services: 37.6 million riders

Taxis: 103.5 million riders