Dubai Public Transport Records 395 Million Riders in H1 2025

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recorded a significant surge in public transport usage during the first half of 2025, with 395.3 million riders across all modes — a 9% increase from the same period in 2024. The daily average ridership rose to 2.18 million, up from 1.98 million last year.

This steady growth reflected rising public confidence in the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of Dubai’s multi-modal transit system, including metro, trams, buses, marine transport, taxis, and shared mobility services.

The Dubai Metro led in ridership with 143.9 million users, accounting for 36.5% of total trips, followed by taxis with 103.5 million (26%) and public buses with 95.7 million (24%). May was the busiest month, registering 68.8 million riders.

Among metro stations, Al Rigga saw the highest footfall at 8 million, with BurJuman and Union stations also ranking high. Other key contributors included marine transport with 9.7 million riders, the tram with 4.9 million, and shared mobility services with 37.6 million.

To support this growing demand and align with sustainability goals, the RTA launched major infrastructure initiatives including the construction of the 30-kilometre Dubai Metro Blue Line with 14 stations, aimed at serving one million residents across nine districts. It also ordered 637 new buses, including 40 electric ones compliant with Euro 6 low-emission standards — marking the UAE’s largest such fleet. Sixteen new bus stations and six depots were also completed during this period.

The RTA reaffirmed its long-term goal to make public transport the primary mode of commuting by enhancing network integration, improving last-mile connectivity, and promoting smart and sustainable mobility. The share of journeys made using public and shared transport increased from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% by the end of 2024, with a target to reach 25% by 2030 as part of Dubai’s broader urban and environmental objectives.