Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Sunday, December 7, the completion of 595 new bus passenger shelters. This is part of a larger project aiming to deliver a total of 762 shelters across key areas in the emirate.
Locations were carefully selected to serve high-density urban areas, meet current and future operational needs, and integrate with soft mobility options like walking and cycling. The authority noted that some locations will accommodate more than 10 bus routes per shelter, collectively supporting over 192 million passengers annually.
The new shelters aim to reduce travel times, improve network efficiency, and increase residents’ reliance on public transport.
Designed with a modern aesthetic, the new shelters are equipped with a range of services to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety for passengers. The project has now reached 89% completion, with the remaining shelters under construction expected to serve high-traffic routes.
RTA has categorized the shelters into four types based on daily passenger usage:
• Primary stop: Over 750 passengers per day
• Secondary stop: Between 250 and 750 passengers per day
• Basic stop: Between 100 and 250 passengers per day
• Boarding and alighting stop: Fewer than 100 passengers per day
A portion of the primary shelters has been designated as an air-conditioned area, alongside shaded outdoor seating and advertising spaces. The shelters also feature an information display screen showing the bus network map, schedules, headways, and other key information relevant to passengers.
“The new shelters represent a pivotal step in RTA’s efforts to develop an integrated urban environment that encourages residents and visitors to use public transport, improves quality of life, and promotes comfort and well-being. RTA is committed to providing modern, comfortable, and safe facilities that enhance the appeal of the bus network and meet the needs of Dubai’s growing population and urban expansion,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.
He added that the shelters are part of Dubai’s long-term vision to provide safe, modern, and accessible public transport options that meet the needs of a growing urban population.
“We were keen to ensure that the new shelters combine modern and aesthetic design with services that guarantee a better mobility experience, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the public transport network and supporting sustainability objectives, including emissions reduction. The shelters serve many bus routes, with some accommodating more than ten routes per shelter, which enhances network efficiency, reduces travel times, and increases reliance on public transport.”
