In the United Arab Emirates, the transportation system is one of the authorities’ main concerns, along with the number of cars in the cities. The UAE’s goal is to establish a healthy, eco-friendly system in which traditional vehicles are practically nonexistent, also aiming to reduce the emissions they generate.
Thanks to this initiative, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a new project that not only aims to eliminate heavy traffic in cities but also allows Emiratis to save up to 75% on travel costs.
How the UAE’s innovative plan aims to reduce traffic impact
Becoming a global leader in sustainable policies is one of the main objectives of the United Arab Emirates, making the development of technologies and strategies in this field a top priority. For this reason, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed the launch of a new shared taxi pilot service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
As confirmed on their official social media channels, the goal of this new urban plan is to ensure “a convenient, fast, and affordable transportation option that will run for six months and may expand to other locations based on its results.” This way, passengers can save up to 75% on travel costs and share rides with others taking the same route. These trips will be available from the Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi.
What will be the cost of shared rides in the UAE?
As previously mentioned, the initiative’s primary goal is to reduce traffic between major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi while ensuring comfort and low prices for daily commuters. These taxis can accommodate up to four passengers at a cost of 66 dirhams (6.22 euros), payable via credit or debit card. If the ride is shared between two passengers, the fare is 132 dirhams (12.44 euros) per passenger, and 88 dirhams (8.29 euros) when there are three passengers together.
Regarding this innovative “green” project, RTA authorities stated that the initiative “aims to reduce traffic congestion by promoting shared taxi rides, benefiting the environment by cutting carbon emissions and eliminating unlicensed transport services.”
The best cities for driving in the UAE
As mentioned before, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented a long-term strategy to achieve zero-emission public transportation by 2050. The city’s sustainability policies began in 2015 with DEWA, which launched its Green Charger initiative as part of its 2030 Green Mobility Strategy. The goal is for Dubai to have more than 42,000 electric cars on its roads by that year.
This green vision for Dubai’s future is supported by the rising sales of electric vehicles, which saw a significant boost last year. The growing adoption of such vehicles further strengthens Dubai’s eco-friendly mobility vision. It is projected that UAE’s demand will grow at a compound annual rate of 30 percent between 2022 and 2028, according to the Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index published last year.
