Dubai's Ride-Sharing Buses: Cheap, Fast Travel
Dubai's New Ride-Sharing Buses: Cheaper, Faster Alternative
In December 2024, Dubai launched a new bus-sharing service among its pioneering transportation initiatives. The service was realized through the collaboration of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and three transportation companies. In the first ten days, more than 500 passengers used the service, which is gaining significant popularity among residents. The service is 20-30% cheaper than traditional e-hail taxis while offering a faster transit alternative compared to conventional buses.
How Does the Bus Sharing Service Work?
The new bus-sharing system is operated by three companies specializing in transportation services, offering services in different areas. Booking is simple through the following mobile applications:
a. Citylink Shuttle – provides fast and convenient transport in specific areas
b. DrivenBus – specifically serves certain business and residential districts
c. Fluxx Daily – offers an optimized service for daily commuters
Passengers just need to download one of the apps, enter their start and destination, and book the nearest available minibus.
Why Try the Service?
1. Cost-Effectiveness:
According to the RTA, the bus-sharing service fares are significantly lower than e-hail taxis, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers.
2. Speed and Efficiency:
Travelling by minibus can be much quicker as the vehicles follow flexible routes, avoiding congested traffic hubs.
3. Convenient Booking System:
Smart app bookings allow passengers to easily plan their journey and track the vehicle's arrival.
4. Environmentally Friendly Solution:
Bus sharing contributes to reducing road traffic and curbing emissions, resulting in an eco-friendly travel experience.
5. Community Experience:
Passengers have the opportunity to travel with others, making for a more pleasant travel experience.
Where Is the Service Available?
The service is currently available in several popular districts in Dubai, including business centers, shopping districts, and residential areas. In the future, RTA plans to extend the service to additional areas to offer convenient transit options to more passengers.
Passenger Reviews
Most of the initial users have given positive feedback on the new service. Many highlighted the favorable pricing, quick availability, and convenient booking options. One passenger remarked, "I am very satisfied with the service. It's fast, cheap, and convenient – a perfect solution for daily commuting!"
Summary
Dubai's new bus-sharing service offers a promising alternative for residents seeking a cost-effective and swift transportation solution. The collaborative effort of RTA and the transportation companies has enabled the introduction of an innovative system that not only saves passengers time and money but also contributes to sustainable transport. If you haven't tried it yet, it's worth downloading one of the apps and experiencing how convenient the new service can be.