Guide to Dubai Bus on Demand – Public transport made easy
Dubai Bus on Demand is a ride-pooling service in Dubai. It is a service provided by Dubai Road and Transport Authority in collaboration with United Trans. The service uses Via technology to ensure a seamless experience for passengers. The app will allow you to select the pickup and drop-off points for quick trips – helping to avoid lengthy detours through the city. Here’s everything you need to know about the RTA’s new bus service.
WHAT IS DUBAI BUS ON DEMAND?
Dubai Bus on Demand is a ride-pooling service offered by United Trans. The app uses Via technology and offers affordable rides. This is a game changer for Dubai where residents are often reliant on a car-centric mode of transportation. The bus covers the major zones within a city to take quick trips without taking lengthy detours or fixed schedules and routes.
The best part is that you can book the service individually or as a group of up to 6 people. The RTA’s Dubai Bus on Demand will direct passengers to a nearby virtual stop for a pickup or drop-off. The stops are within short walking distance allowing passengers an efficient and smart way to travel across Dubai.
KEY FEATURES OF THE BUS ON DEMAND APP
Now that we’ve covered the basics of this new service, let’s take a quick look at the key features of RTA’s Dubai Bus on Demand:
- It is ideal for short distances.
- You can share your ride with others going to the same place as you.
- There are no fixed routes or schedules.
- There are no longer waiting times, you’ll be picked up in a few minutes.
- You can choose the pickup and drop-off points and get picked up at a nearby corner.
- It’s sustainable because fewer cars mean reduced CO2 emissions.
SERVICE FEE AND ELIGIBILITY
Tourists and residents of the city are eligible to use the Bus on Demand Service. All you need is a valid debit/credit card or Nol card to book the ride. The RTA’s Bus on Demand prices are as follows:
- AED 5 per trip/passenger.
- AED 4 for every additional passenger in the same booking.
- AED 7 for single rides inter-zone.
HOW TO USE DUBAI BUS ON DEMAND APP
Using Bus on Demand is as easy as using any other cab-hailing app. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book RTA’s Bus on Demand.
STEP 1: DOWNLOAD THE APP
The first step is to download the app on your smartphone from Google Play or the App Store. After that, you will have to click on the ‘Sign Up’ button on the home screen of the app. Enter the requested information and then click on ‘Next’.
This will direct you to a second page and if a friend referred you, you can enter their promo code into the ‘Promo Code’ box by clicking on the blue ‘Redeem your promo code’ option. Once you have completed all these steps, click ‘Join’ and that’s it!
STEP 2: SELECT THE PICKUP POINT AND DESTINATION
The next step is to select your pick-up and drop-off points. While selecting these locations, you’ll be shown the ride’s price and asked to pay via debit, credit or Nol card. Plus, you will be able to check the location of the bus, seat availability, arrival time, and estimated travel time to your destination. Once booked, the app will direct you to the starting point which is usually the nearest street corner.
STEP 3: GET PICKED UP
After booking the bus, the driver will pick you up in a few minutes and you start your journey…that’s it!
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Currently, Dubai Bus on Demand operates in four zones: Business Bay, Al Barsha, Al Nahda, Dubai Academic City & Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO & Academic City are counted as one zone). Please note that the bus operates from corner to corner within a zone, and it connects to the nearest metro station.
There are no fixed routes or schedules, so they pick you up from your nearest location, and the same rule applies to the drop-off destination. Dubai Bus on Demand pools individual routes for every passenger, so other passengers will be travelling in the same direction as you. If you’re a group of six people, you can book together.
Another important thing to remember is that you cannot change your destination once you’re aboard the bus. The bus doesn’t accommodate requests for changes as they disrupt the pickup or drop-off for other passengers. If you are not on the bus and want to change your destination, you can cancel the ride and re-book with your new destination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE DUBAI BUS ON DEMAND ROUTES?
Dubai Bus on Demand service zones are Business Bay, Al Barsha, Al Nahda, Dubai Academic City and Dubai Silicon Oasis.
WHAT ARE THE BUS ON DEMAND TIMINGS IN DUBAI?
The Dubai Bus on Demand service timings are as follows:
- Monday to Thursday from 05:00 am to 12:00 am
- Friday and Saturday from 05:00 am to 01:00 am
- Sunday from 10:00 am to 01:00 am
IS BUS ON DEMAND ACCESSIBLE BY WHEELCHAIR?
Yes, RTA’s Dubai Bus on Demand is accessible by wheelchair.
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH BUS IS MINE?
For your convenience, information about the bus will be displayed on the ride screen. This includes the type of bus and its number plate. The Dubai Bus on Demand has specific logos and is easy to spot.
And that’s a wrap! We’ve covered everything you need about Dubai Bus on Demand Service. It’s comparatively cheaper and more accessible than other modes of transportation in the city.
If you are new to Dubai or frequently travel via public transport, our guide to Dubai Metro will come in handy. Or make yourself familiar with RTA public buses in the emirate.
Another upcoming urban mobility project, The Loop is going to be launched soon in Dubai, making the city accessible within 20 minutes. It will be a haven for fitness enthusiasts!
Cover image credit: Dubai Bus on Demand official website.
