Published: May 18, 2025 | Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
In a significant move to ease road congestion and boost public transportation efficiency, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the rollout of new dedicated bus and taxi lanes on six major roads across the city. This development marks another milestone in Dubai’s journey toward a smarter, more sustainable urban transport system.
New Dedicated Lanes to Cover 13 Kilometres Across Dubai
The new lanes, set to cover a total of 13 kilometres, are being added to some of Dubai’s busiest and most vital streets. Once completed, the total length of bus and taxi-only lanes in Dubai will reach 20 kilometres.
Streets Included in the New Expansion:
- Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street
- Omar bin Al Khattab Street
- 2nd of December Street
- Al Nahda Street
- Al Satwa Street
- Naif Street
What This Means for Public Transport in Dubai
According to the RTA, this strategic expansion is expected to result in:
- A 41% reduction in travel time for public buses and taxis
- A 42% improvement in bus arrival punctuality
- Enhanced reliability for over 500,000 daily public transport users
These changes are part of Dubai’s long-term goal to increase public transport usage and reduce dependency on private vehicles.
Strict Penalties for Misuse of Dedicated Lanes
To ensure the effectiveness of the new lanes, they will be painted in a distinctive red color to clearly differentiate them from regular lanes. Private motorists caught using these lanes without authorization will face a fine of AED 600.
This enforcement policy is designed to protect the efficiency of public transport and discourage traffic violations.
Dubai’s Growing Public Bus Network: Fast Facts
- Fleet Size: 1,390 buses
- Daily Coverage: 333,000 kilometres
- Daily Trips: 11,000
- Network Reach: Covers nearly 90% of Dubai’s urban areas
- Daily Riders: Over 500,000 passengers
RTA’s Vision for a Smarter, Greener Dubai
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA, emphasized that these enhancements support Dubai’s overarching vision of sustainable urban mobility, with a focus on accessibility, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
“We are committed to delivering a world-class transport network that meets the needs of residents and visitors alike,” Al Tayer said.
Conclusion
With this latest initiative, the RTA reinforces its commitment to smarter, faster, and more sustainable transport across the Emirate. Whether you’re a daily commuter, taxi operator, or planning a trip to Dubai, these changes are set to make navigating the city easier and more efficient.
Need real-time updates on traffic, lane rules, or RTA announcements? Bookmark the official RTA website or follow them on social media for the latest information.