The initiative aims to reduce transportation costs, ease traffic congestion, and offer a more sustainable travel option for commuters between the two emirates
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a new pilot taxi-sharing service aimed at reducing travel costs and easing congestion for passengers commuting between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The service, which will operate for six months, allows passengers to share rides between the Ibn Battuta Centre in Dubai and Al Wahda Centre in Abu Dhabi.
Adel Shakri, director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, explained that the two locations were selected after a detailed analysis of potential routes for shared taxis between the two emirates. “Ibn Battuta Centre in Dubai and Al Wahda Centre in Abu Dhabi are well-connected to public transportation hubs and parking facilities, making them ideal points for the shared taxi service,” he said.
Taxi service to provide affordable travel option
The initiative aims to provide a more affordable and efficient travel option, particularly for frequent commuters.
The cost of a shared taxi is significantly lower compared to individual fares. With four passengers sharing a ride, each will pay Dhs66, cutting costs by up to 75 per cent compared to the standard fare. For two passengers, the fare is Dhs132, and for three passengers, it is Dhs88.
The RTA hopes the new service will also help reduce traffic congestion, particularly on the busy highways connecting the two emirates.
The move is part of a broader strategy to promote shared rides, which could alleviate pressure on road networks and help reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the UAE’s sustainability goals.
Passengers can pay their fares using bank cards or RTA’s Nol cards, making the payment process seamless and convenient.
RTA taxis are equipped with safety features such as cameras connected to the Operations Control Centre, ensuring a secure travel experience. Additionally, the vehicles are monitored for driver performance to ensure high safety standards.
While the service is currently in its pilot phase, RTA has indicated that the success of the initiative could lead to its expansion to other routes and locations in the future.
The pilot programmw’s outcomes will be closely monitored to assess the feasibility of expanding shared taxi services across other regions of the UAE, further enhancing the country’s transportation infrastructure.
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