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Imagine stepping out of your home, booking a taxi with a few taps on your phone, and having your ride arrive in under four minutes. Sounds like a dream, right? This is now a reality for Dubai residents, thanks to the city's evolving e-hailing system.

In 2024, over 74% of e-booked taxi trips had waiting times of less than 3.5 minutes, according to a report from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). With such efficiency, long waits for cabs are becoming a thing of the past.

Adel Shakri, director of Planning and Business Development at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, highlighted how e-hailing services like Hala, accessible through the Careem app, are transforming Dubai’s taxi industry. “Our strategy has streamlined traffic flow by removing 7,600 vehicles from the roads daily,” Shakri said.

Transforming Dubai’s Roads

Gone are the days when taxis aimlessly roamed the streets in search of passengers. Today, most cabs are pre-booked via smart apps, cutting down unnecessary trips and optimizing taxi deployment during peak hours. This has led to significant environmental benefits.

In 2024, the switch to e-hailing helped reduce CO2 emissions by a whopping 20,000 tonnes. The system slashed the average wasted driving distance by 3km per trip, saving an average of five minutes of unnecessary driving per ride.

A Win-Win for Drivers and Riders

Hala’s market share during peak hours soared to 50% in 2024, up from 42% the previous year. This growth reflects a shift in preference among Dubai’s residents, who increasingly favor the convenience of e-hail over traditional street-hailing.

Drivers are also reaping the benefits. They now spend 50 fewer minutes driving each day and cover shorter distances overall, improving job satisfaction.

Shakri emphasized the milestones achieved in transforming the sector. “Through strategic initiatives, Dubai’s taxi industry has seen enhanced service efficiency and higher customer satisfaction,” he said.

A Sustainable Future

Beyond convenience, e-hailing is contributing to Dubai’s environmental goals. The RTA’s data shows that these systems not only improve commuter experiences but also play a vital role in reducing the emirate’s carbon footprint.

With its forward-thinking approach, Dubai is setting an example for cities worldwide, showing how technology can revolutionize transportation while promoting sustainability.

So, the next time you book a ride via your phone, know that you’re not just saving time but also contributing to a greener, smarter future.

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