DUBAI: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out a taxi-sharing pilot service connecting Ibn Battuta Centre in Dubai and Al Wahda Centre in Abu Dhabi. This six-month initiative aims to offer a more affordable, convenient travel option for passengers regularly commuting between the two emirates, with the potential for expansion based on its success.

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Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, explained that these locations were selected after analysing potential routes, as both are well-integrated with public transport links and parking facilities. “This initiative aims to reduce travel costs for regular commuters, and with a shared taxi, passengers can save significantly on fares,” said Shakri.

The pricing structure is designed to make the service highly economical. For instance, when four passengers share a taxi, the fare per person drops to AED 66—up to 75% less than an individual booking. In cases where only two passengers share, the fare per passenger is AED 132, and with three passengers, it costs AED 88 each. Passengers can conveniently pay using bank cards or RTA’s nol cards.

Besides cost savings, the taxi-sharing service is designed to ease traffic congestion and reduce environmental impact by promoting shared rides. By minimising the number of taxis on the road, RTA aims to lower carbon emissions and reduce reliance on unlicensed transportation services. RTA taxis also ensure a safe and comfortable experience, equipped with security features like cameras linked to the Operations Control Centre and systems for monitoring driver performance.

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Through this pilot, RTA seeks to provide a sustainable, practical solution for inter-emirate travel, enhancing convenience and accessibility for the community.