The Dubai Bus-On-Demand service is expanding to four more areas across the city as Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) responds to growing demand for flexible public transport options.
The newly added areas are Al Qusais, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Al Warqa’a and Dubai Investments Park (DIP). With the latest expansion, the service now operates across 17 areas in Dubai using a fleet of 49 buses.
According to the RTA, the move comes after the Bus-On-Demand service recorded a 136 per cent increase in ridership in 2025, showing a strong shift towards app-based and flexible transport solutions among residents.
The service is designed to help commuters travel more easily within neighbourhoods and connect to nearby public transport stations, especially in areas where fixed bus routes may not fully meet daily travel needs.
What is Dubai’s Bus-On-Demand service?
Dubai’s Bus-On-Demand service works differently from traditional public buses. Instead of following a fixed route and schedule, the service allows passengers to book rides through a smart application.
Users can choose their pickup and drop-off points within the covered area, and the system then groups nearby bookings to create efficient shared routes. The idea is to reduce waiting times while offering a more convenient first and last-mile transport solution.
The service has become especially popular in residential communities and developing districts where many residents rely on metro stations or major transport hubs for daily commuting.
By adding Al Qusais, JVC, Al Warqa’a and DIP, the RTA is extending coverage to some of Dubai’s busiest and fastest-growing residential zones.
Why the expansion matters
The latest expansion reflects Dubai’s broader push towards smarter and more connected mobility systems.
Areas such as JVC and Dubai Investments Park have seen rapid population growth over the past few years, increasing the need for reliable transport options within communities.
Meanwhile, Al Qusais and Al Warqa’a continue to attract a large number of daily commuters due to their residential density and connectivity to other parts of the city.
The Bus-On-Demand model also supports Dubai’s efforts to reduce reliance on private cars and improve access to public transport.
With 49 buses now operating across 17 locations, the service is becoming an increasingly important part of Dubai’s public transport network, particularly for residents seeking more flexible alternatives to traditional bus routes.
Passengers can book the service through the dedicated smart app linked to the RTA’s transport system. Fares remain aligned with Dubai’s wider public transport framework, making it an affordable option for regular commuters.
