Dubai Taxi-Sharing Pilot Service Offers New Route Between Ibn Battuta and Abu Dhabi

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a taxi-sharing pilot service linking Dubai’s Ibn Battuta Mall and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wahda Mall. This initiative aims to streamline long-distance travel between the two cities, offering a sustainable alternative for regular commuters. In response to high intercity travel demand, RTA designed the service to reduce single-passenger trips, optimize vehicle usage, and lower both traffic congestion and emissions across the UAE’s urban hubs.

This pilot program aligns with broader sustainability goals outlined by the UAE government, which emphasizes efficient resource utilization and the reduction of carbon emissions as part of its national green strategies. By encouraging ride-sharing, the RTA initiative is anticipated to enhance connectivity while lessening environmental impact. The new taxi-sharing service also responds to the need for practical, affordable transportation solutions amidst rising commuting costs and time constraints faced by residents. For users, this system offers a substantial reduction in expenses compared to traditional private taxis, while enabling a structured, pre-booked, safe travel experience on the specified route.

The RTA has collaborated closely with the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport to ensure smooth operations along this route. This collaboration involves not only the operational aspects but also data collection on passenger loads, route efficiency, and overall user satisfaction to determine the viability of expanding the service. Authorities are expected to monitor its impact closely, with insights guiding potential improvements or extensions of the taxi-sharing program to other high-demand intercity routes if deemed successful.