Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is commemorating its 18th anniversary and the 14th edition of Public Transport Day with a fitness-oriented theme, “Gym on the Go.” This celebration aims to encourage physical fitness and promote the use of public transportation for a more relaxed and timely commute.
Expanding Public Transport and Sustainable Mobility
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Directors, highlights the RTA’s significant efforts in developing a comprehensive transportation network. These endeavors have not only positioned Dubai as one of the world’s largest urban economies but have also contributed to environmental sustainability and increased public transit usage.
Rapid Growth in Public Transport Ridership
In 2022, Dubai’s public transport services including the metro, tram, public buses, marine transport, taxis, and shared mobility options, catered to around 621.4 million riders, averaging 1.7 million daily passengers. The first eight months of 2023 saw a remarkable 12% increase in ridership, reaching 450 million passengers compared to 401 million during the same period in 2022.
Transformative Projects and Infrastructure Development
The RTA has played a pivotal role in transforming Dubai’s public transport network. Several mega projects with an investment of about AED 146 billion have been instrumental in reshaping the city’s mobility landscape. Key projects include the world-renowned Dubai Metro, the 11-km Dubai Tram, and a modern bus fleet complying with European low carbon emission standards (Euro 6). Additionally, the marine transport network includes traditional Abras, ferries, and water taxis. The expansion of road networks, bridges, tunnels, footbridges, subways, and cycling lanes has significantly enhanced access and mobility.
Toward Zero-Emissions Transportation
The RTA’s forward-thinking “Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050” strategy aims to mitigate climate change and reduce carbon footprints across its operations. This includes transitioning all public buses to electric and hydrogen-powered buses by 2050 and transforming taxis and limousines into fully electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2040.
Embracing Smart Self-Driving Transport
The RTA is at the forefront of Dubai’s strategy for smart self-driving transport, with the ambitious goal of transforming 25% of all mobility journeys into smart self-driving journeys by 2030. This initiative aims to create a smart, unified, and user-friendly transit system as an essential component of smart cities.
Digital Transformation and Smart Services
In line with Dubai’s digital transformation, the RTA has harnessed Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer service. Offering 100% smart services, the RTA’s digital channels have witnessed significant growth, with digital transactions reaching 814 million and generating approximately 3.1 billion dirhams in revenue in 2022.
Celebrating Public Transport Day
The 14th Public Transport Day, observed from October 24th to November 8th, revolves around the theme “Gym on the Go.” This event showcases the RTA’s dedication to promoting public health and physical fitness. Activities include sports, health-related events, and exercises. Participants can engage in the GPS CANVAS interface, an activity promoting public transportation use, and enjoy an interactive digital game on smartphones, which raises awareness about protecting endangered animals and reducing carbon footprints while honoring frequent public transportation users.
The RTA continues to play a significant role in shaping Dubai’s transportation landscape, promoting sustainable mobility, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the city.
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