RTA Completes 595 Bus Shelters in Dubai

Dubai continues to transform public transport across the city. The Roads and Transport Authority has successfully completed the construction of 595 new bus shelters. These shelters are now operational across key locations in Dubai, improving the daily commute for thousands of residents and workers.

This major project is part of Dubai’s efforts to make public transport more efficient, accessible, and comfortable. RTA built the bus shelters in two phases and placed them in high-demand areas, including business districts, residential neighborhoods, and main roads.

Part of a Larger Mobility Vision

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, stated that this move is part of Dubai’s plan to enhance sustainable mobility. The new bus shelters give commuters shaded, safe waiting areas, enhancing the public transport experience and attracting more riders.

RTA designed these shelters with smart systems and improved accessibility features. They built them not just as protective structures, but to meet the needs of people of determination and the elderly. Many of them also include real-time arrival displays and solar-powered lighting systems.

Categorised by Passenger Demand

To ensure efficiency, RTA has categorised the new bus shelters into four types based on daily usage:

• Primary stops serve more than 750 passengers per day.
• Secondary stops handle between 250 and 750 daily users.
• Basic stops are for areas with 100 to 250 passengers per day.
• Boarding and alighting stops are placed where fewer than 100 passengers use the service daily.

This tiered approach ensures shelters meet the needs of different areas without wasting resources. RTA equips high-use stops with advanced shelters and provides basic coverage in lower-demand areas.

Supporting Dubai’s Green Goals

This project supports Dubai’s green vision. By encouraging more residents to use public transport, RTA aims to reduce traffic congestion and cut carbon emissions. Better bus shelters mean greater comfort and reliability, which in turn make it more likely that people will choose buses over private vehicles.

Dubai’s government has consistently promoted public transport as part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The plan focuses on improving the quality of life, reducing environmental impact, and building a more connected city. The addition of these bus shelters aligns perfectly with those goals.

100% Completion in Two Phases

The project was executed in two distinct phases. The first covered 400 shelters, and the second added 195 more. RTA selected shelter locations based on ridership data and community demand. This strategic placement ensures that busy areas, including labor-intensive zones and emerging neighborhoods, are well served.

With 595 out of 762 shelters completed, the RTA will assess areas for future expansion based on population growth and transportation needs.

Conclusion

Dubai’s completion of 595 new bus shelters marks a major step toward building a reliable, people-focused transport system. These shelters offer comfort, accessibility, and safety, encouraging more residents to choose public transport.

What do you think about Dubai’s upgraded bus stops? Let us know in the comments. Stay tuned to the Arabwheels Blog for more UAE transport updates.