Dubai's New Bus Pooling Service: A Cheaper and Faster Alternative to Taxis and Buses
A new bus pooling service launched by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has quickly gained popularity among residents, with over 500 people using the service within the first 10 days of its launch. The service, which allows passengers to share minibus rides through a booking system on smart apps, offers a faster and more economical option for commuters in the city.
Khaleej Times recently experienced the service firsthand, taking a 20-minute ride from Garhoud to the DIFC area. The bus arrived just five minutes after booking, and the fare was Dh32, about 20 to 30 percent cheaper than e-hail taxi services. In comparison, a regular bus ride would have taken at least 56 minutes, excluding wait times, and a taxi would have cost around Dh43.
Tarek, a regular user of the service, shared his positive experience. "It is a great service," he said. "It is better than the RTA bus because if you don’t get to the bus stop on time, you have to wait for the next bus. Also, there are many stops in between. This service gets me from my house to the office in 15 to 20 minutes. It is also very economical."
The service was launched in December 2024, and it is operated by three companies: Citylink Shuttle, DrivenBus, and Fluxx Daily. The bus pooling fare varies depending on the distance and demand. The service has been praised for its convenience, offering a fast, affordable, and efficient transport solution for those traveling within specific areas.
