RTA Extends Dubai’s Hala Taxi Sharing Pilot to New Locations
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has expanded the Hala taxi sharing service, following a 228% rise in ridership. The pilot, launched last year, initially ran shared taxis between Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi.
Now, RTA will expand the service to more areas across the city for a new six-month trial period.
More Routes, More Riders
Based on growing demand, RTA will now operate taxi sharing trips from Al Maktoum International Airport to:
- Dubai Marina Mall
- Business Bay Metro Station
- Palm Jumeirah (Atlantis Monorail Station)
A second route from the Dubai World Trade Centre will serve:
- Business Bay Metro Station
- Al Satwa Bus Station
- Dubai Marina Mall
These new routes were selected following detailed field studies and analysis of travel patterns across the emirate. Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA, confirmed that ridership increased by 228% over the past year.
A Smarter, Greener Transport Option
The taxi-sharing service allows multiple riders heading in the same direction to split a single vehicle and reduce costs. It also helps ease traffic congestion by reducing the number of cars on the road during peak travel hours.
RTA says the service has attracted residents and visitors seeking a fast, reliable, and cost-efficient ride. By consolidating trips, the system supports sustainability goals and lowers carbon emissions in the city. Shakri noted that these benefits align with Dubai’s strategy to improve mobility while supporting green initiatives.
Enhancing Safety and Comfort
All shared taxis are part of the RTA fleet and come equipped with modern safety systems. Each vehicle includes internal cameras linked to the Operations Control Centre to ensure passenger safety. Driver performance is also monitored in real-time to maintain service standards.
Another goal of the pilot is to reduce illegal or unlicensed ride services in the city. By offering affordable alternatives through taxi sharing, RTA ensures riders have access to safe, regulated transport.
Conclusion
Dubai’s expansion of the taxi-sharing pilot reflects growing demand for smart, shared transport solutions. With more routes added and strong rider feedback, this model may soon become a permanent feature of the city’s transport system.
Have you used these ride-sharing services in Dubai? Let us know in the comments below. For updates on Dubai’s public mobility innovations, follow the Arabwheels Blog.