Dubai’s public transport network saw a 9% rise in ridership in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
From January to June 2025, approximately 395.3 million riders used public transport, shared mobility, and taxi services across the emirate — up from around 361.2 million in H1 2024. Daily ridership averaged nearly 2.18 million passengers.
Metro and taxi services accounted for the largest shares, with 36.5% and 26% respectively. Public buses contributed 24% of total ridership.
Dubai Metro tops usage
The Dubai Metro carried about 143.9 million passengers during the first six months. BurJuman Station was the busiest with 8.6 million users, followed by Al Rigga Station (6.8 million) and Union Station (6.6 million). The Dubai Tram served 4.9 million riders.
Public buses transported 95.7 million passengers, while marine transport modes saw 9.7 million users. Taxi services transported 103.5 million riders. Shared mobility options, including app-based vehicles and on-demand buses, served 37.6 million people.
Blue Line under construction
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA, said: “The continued growth in public transport ridership reflects users’ confidence in the system’s efficiency and the quality of services provided across all modes.”
He added: “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.”
Al Tayer confirmed that construction is underway on the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a 30-kilometre route with 14 stations set to serve nine districts and one million residents. The project aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan.
The RTA has signed agreements to acquire 637 new low-emission buses, including 40 electric models — the largest fleet of its kind in the UAE. The buses will be delivered between 2025 and 2026. New infrastructure includes 16 bus stations and six depots completed this month.
“The Construction of Dubai Metro Blue Line is currently underway… in alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan,” Al Tayer noted.
The RTA is also working toward its goal of increasing the share of journeys using public transport and shared mobility to 25% by 2030. The current share has risen from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024.
“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,” Al Tayer said.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
