Dubai Leads The Way With Revolutionary Taxi-Pooling Service Designed To Reduce Traffic And Make Travel More Affordable And Accessible

Published on December 9, 2025

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a new taxi-pooling service to address the growing issue of traffic congestion in the city. By allowing passengers to share rides, the initiative aims to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, ensuring smoother traffic flow. This service not only offers a more affordable transportation option but also aligns with the city’s environmental goals by promoting sustainable travel solutions. With key routes connecting major hubs like Dubai World Trade Centre and Al Maktoum International Airport, this pilot program is designed to provide commuters with a more convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional taxi rides.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced an innovative taxi-sharing service designed to ease traffic congestion in some of the city’s busiest areas. This new initiative offers passengers the chance to share rides at discounted rates between key locations, aiming to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and improve the overall flow of traffic.

The new service will initially operate as a pilot program, allowing riders to share taxis between prominent points in the city. The service will be available from two major transport hubs: Dubai World Trade Centre, known for attracting large crowds during major exhibitions, and Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become one of the world’s largest airports. Passengers can use the service to travel to several popular destinations, including Business Bay Metro Station, Al Satwa Bus Station, and Dubai Marina Mall.

In addition to the routes starting from Dubai World Trade Centre, the taxi-sharing service will also operate from Al Maktoum International Airport to various hotspots in the city. These include Dubai Marina Mall, Business Bay Metro Station, and the Palm Jumeirah Atlantis Monorail Station. The introduction of these routes comes after a successful trial of a shared taxi service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which was launched the previous year.

The trial phase of the new taxi-pooling initiative will last for six months, providing the RTA with valuable data to assess the service’s effectiveness in reducing congestion and encouraging more sustainable transportation options. The initial success of the shared taxi service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi has been a key factor in the expansion of this service within Dubai.

Since its introduction, the taxi-sharing service between the two cities has seen a remarkable 228 percent increase in riders, highlighting the growing demand for more affordable and environmentally friendly travel options. This significant rise in usage has encouraged the RTA to extend the initiative within Dubai, providing more routes and opportunities for passengers to benefit from the shared taxi concept.

One of the primary goals behind the RTA’s new taxi-pooling service is to alleviate traffic congestion, especially in high-traffic areas that see a constant flow of commuters. By allowing multiple passengers to share a single taxi, the RTA aims to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, which in turn will help smooth traffic flow and reduce carbon emissions.

The RTA believes that this initiative will not only make traveling more convenient and affordable for residents and visitors but will also contribute to the city’s environmental goals by promoting more sustainable transport practices. The shared taxi service is part of the broader vision to develop a smart and efficient public transport system that meets the growing demand for connectivity across Dubai.

The decision to expand the taxi-pooling service followed a comprehensive analysis of potential routes based on demand and traffic patterns. The new service is designed to cater to passengers who regularly rely on taxis for travel within the city. By introducing new routes on a trial basis, the RTA aims to assess the service’s viability and gather feedback from users before making it permanent.

The taxi-sharing service not only benefits individual riders by reducing transportation costs but also addresses the city’s broader urban mobility challenges. By making shared rides more accessible, the RTA hopes to encourage more people to opt for public transportation over private car use, ultimately helping to alleviate the city’s traffic woes.

While the pilot program is still in its early stages, the positive response from passengers using the Dubai-Abu Dhabi service has given the RTA confidence that the taxi-pooling model will work well in Dubai as well. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy to modernize its transportation infrastructure, making it more efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective.

The RTA’s move towards taxi pooling is also in line with global trends in urban transportation, where cities around the world are increasingly turning to shared mobility solutions to reduce congestion and environmental impact. As more cities adopt similar strategies, Dubai is positioning itself as a leader in innovative, sustainable transport solutions in the region.

The launch of the new service reflects Dubai’s commitment to enhancing the overall travel experience for its residents and visitors. With a focus on convenience, affordability, and sustainability, the RTA’s taxi-sharing initiative aims to become a key part of Dubai’s evolving public transportation network.

The RTA’s new taxi-pooling service represents a step forward in Dubai’s efforts to tackle traffic congestion, reduce environmental impact, and provide more affordable transportation options for its residents and tourists. As the pilot program unfolds, the RTA will continue to monitor its progress, with the possibility of expanding the service further based on the results.