Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its Bus On Demand service to Oud Metha and Barsha Heights to meet growing demand for affordable, flexible and efficient public transport. The expansion follows strong demand from commuters and aligns with the city’s commitment to seamless and efficient mobility solutions.
The service enhances connectivity, reduces congestion, and improves first and last mile travel across the city for reasonable rates, as low as Dhs 5 per trip.
RTA's Bus on Demand service is designed to bridge the gap between residential and commercial areas and major transport stations (including metro and bus stations) within each zone. The service was previously available in several zones including Al Barsha, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Al Nahda, Al Karama, Dubai Academic City, Al Rigga, Port Saeed, Business Bay and Downtown Dubai. With the new expansion to Oud Metha and Barsha Heights, the service now covers two additional key areas, connecting residential zones with major public transport hubs.
The standard fare for travel within each zone is Dhs 5 per trip, while inter-zone travel which gets you across adjacent zones will cost around Dhs 7 per trip. Currently operating inter-zone routes include: Al Barsha to Barsha Heights, Al Rigga to Port Saeed, Al Karama to Oud Metha, Dubai Silicon Oasis to Dubai Academic City, and Business Bay to Downtown Dubai.
The service is available on weekdays from 5am to midnight and up to 1am next morning on Fridays. On Saturdays, it is available from 5am to midnight and on Sundays, it is available from 8am to midnight.
For more details on fares, discounts and timings, visit the Bus On Demand's FAQ page here.
How The Service Works
- The Bus On Demand app, available on Apple Store and Google Play, allows passengers to book rides, plan routes and pay digitally. You need to input your location and your destination point, and pay the transportation fee.
- The app connects you with one of the compact, 13-seater public buses operating along designated routes.
- The app then assigns the nearest pickup location, ensuring quick and hassle-free travel.
- Drivers can communicate directly with passengers via the app for smoother coordination.
- The standard fare for travel within a zone is Dhs 5 per trip