Dubai’s RTA to launch nine new bus routes, cancel three services this month

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to launch nine new bus routes this month connecting various parts of the city as well as Sharjah and Al Ain.

The routes, which will be launched on April 7, aim to “meet the growing demand for bus services” and “improve the integration with the metro service as well as the link with Al Ain city”, the RTA said in a statement.

The new routes include –

* Route 20 from Al Warsan 3 to Al Nahda via Airport Terminal 2, connecting Rashidiya metro bus station and International City with a frequency of 30 minutes during peak hours.

* Route E201 from Al Ghubaiba bus station to Al Ain bus station with a frequency of 30 minutes during peak hours.

* Route J02 connecting International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) with Arabian Ranches via Dubai Studio City with a frequency of 30 minutes during peak hours.

* Route 310 from Rashidiya metro and bus station to International City with a frequency of 8 minutes during peak hours.

* Route 320 from Rashidiya metro and bus station to Silicon Oasis/Academic City with a frequency of 8 minutes during peak hours.

* Route F34 (feeder service) from Dubai Internet City metro station to Dubai Production City via IMPZ with a frequency of 20 minutes during peak hours.

* Route F37 (feeder service) linking Mall of the Emirates metro station with Dubai Sports City with a frequency of 20 minutes during peak hours.

* Route E315 from Etisalat metro station to Muwaileh bus station in Sharjah.

* Route E316 from Rashidiya metro station to the University of Sharjah (Airport Road Interchange).

The RTA also confirmed that it will modify some of the routes from April 7.

Route F30 will be curtailed at Studio City with no service to Arabian Ranches. The existing passengers from Arabian Ranches will be covered by the new Route J02, enabling transfer at Dubai Studio City.

Meanwhile route F04 will be converted into a circular service, enabling transfers at Al Khaleej Road opposite to Gold Souq bus station.

Route 50 will be curtailed at Business Bay, while route F09 will be extended to Dubai Frame from Jafiliya metro station.

Route 24 will have a new loop service to connect the Sahara Centre with the existing route.

“There will also be some route cancellations as of April 7,” said Adel Shakri, director of Planning and Business Development at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

“Routes 365 and 366 will be cancelled, and the existing passengers will be served by the new service 310, 320 and 20. Route F29 will be cancelled, and the existing passengers will be served by the new service F34, F37, F30 and J02,” he explained.

“The RTA always adheres to the views and suggestions of the community which help enhance the public transport network. Field and electronic surveys are made enabling public transport commuters to express their views and propose their suggestions,” he added.

The RTA aims for 20 per cent of journeys in Dubai to be undertaken via public transport by 2020 and 30 per cent by 2030.