Seating restrictions eased in Dubai metro, taxis and buses

Seating restrictions have been eased in several of Dubai’s public transport offerings including its metro, taxis and buses. It comes following a reduction in the number of Covid-19 cases across the country and ahead of the Expo 2020 Dubai which will begin on October 1.

Dubai Metro
Previously, stickers were placed on adjacent or facing seats to ensure that they were left empty. In effect, the seating capacity in the metro was approximately halved. However, these stickers have now been removed and all seats within the metro can now be occupied.

Passengers still do have to wear masks at all times and are also encouraged to maintain distance from other passengers.

Buses
As with Dubai Metro, the “Do not sit” stickers on adjacent seats within public buses in the city have also been removed.

Taxis
At the start of the pandemic-related restrictions in the country last year, the front seat in taxis was blocked and only two passengers were allowed to be seated in the rear. In December 2020, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that the number of passengers in taxis can be increased to three, if the third passenger is a child aged under 14 and that individual must be seated in the rear.

However, in the latest easing of restrictions, the front seat of the taxi can now be used and the taxi can transport upto three adults.

Family van taxis are permitted to now carry upto five adult passengers plus the driver.