TLDR:
RTA launches Dubai-Abu Dhabi taxi-sharing
Pilot service may expand after six months
Cost savings of up to 75% possible
DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the launch of an ambitious taxi-sharing pilot service, set to operate for six months, connecting Ibn Battuta Centre in Dubai to Al Wahda Centre in Abu Dhabi. This initiative is a strategic move aimed at offering commuters a convenient, fast, and economical transportation option between the two bustling emirates. With the potential for reducing travel costs by as much as 75% when four passengers share a ride, this service promises significant savings and environmental benefits.
The pilot’s roots lie in a comprehensive route analysis conducted by the RTA, which determined that Ibn Battuta Centre and Al Wahda Centre were the ideal locations for this intercity service. Both hubs are well-connected to public transportation systems and boast ample parking facilities, making them highly accessible to frequent travellers. This choice is also reflective of the RTA’s commitment to integrating services seamlessly with existing urban infrastructure, a key strategy in their broader transport vision.
Fare structure, payment flexibility
Passengers opting for the shared taxi service will have several fare options, designed to cater to different group sizes. When four passengers travel together, each pays AED 66, significantly reducing individual expenses. If fewer people share the ride, the cost per person increases to AED 132 for two riders and AED 88 for three. To add to the convenience, the fare can be paid using bank cards or nol cards, offering flexibility for both residents and visitors.
This carefully crafted fare structure aims to make intercity travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi more affordable, especially for regular commuters. The RTA has also emphasised that safety and comfort are central to the experience, as the taxis used for this service are equipped with advanced monitoring systems. Cameras linked to the RTA’s Operations Control Centre and technologies that oversee driver performance are integral features, ensuring that passengers can travel with peace of mind.
Beating traffic
One of the broader goals of the RTA’s taxi-sharing initiative is to reduce traffic congestion along the busy Dubai-Abu Dhabi corridor. By encouraging shared rides, the RTA is taking a step towards decreasing the number of vehicles on the road, which in turn mitigates traffic and cuts down on carbon emissions. This aligns with the UAE’s long-term sustainability objectives, making the initiative as much about environmental responsibility as about commuter convenience.
The pilot service is also seen as a means to tackle the issue of unlicensed transport services. By providing a regulated and affordable alternative, the RTA hopes to curtail the demand for unofficial ride-sharing options, thus improving overall safety standards in intercity travel. Should the pilot service prove successful, there are plans to extend the taxi-sharing model to additional routes, further integrating it into the UAE’s transport ecosystem and enhancing intercity connectivity.
After six months…
The RTA has indicated that the pilot phase will be closely monitored to gauge its effectiveness and public reception. Factors such as passenger satisfaction, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness will inform the decision on whether to expand the service to other parts of the UAE. If successful, this could mark the beginning of a more sustainable and efficient approach to long-distance commuting in the country.
