The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced Dubai witnessed its highest daily public transport ridership since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As per official figures, more than 1.3 million passengers were recorded on September 9 (Thursday) across various means of transport in the emirate.

Reportedly, 458,060 passengers travelled through Dubai Metro, including 311,090 passengers on red line and 146,970 on green line. Furthermore, 15,932 passengers used the tram as their preferred mode of travel. Public buses also recorded 254,420 passengers while marine modes of transportation saw 21,502 passengers. In addition, 66,590 passengers used E-Hailing and Car Sharing services as well as a total of 516,409 passengers using taxis across the emirate.

Speaking about the development, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, underlined that the record number of passengers using public transport reflects their confidence in the level of safety and precaution maintained by relevant authorities to protect the health and wellbeing of all community members.

"RTA has implemented globally-benchmarked preventive protocols to protect the health and safety of passengers, as well as drivers and other frontline transport staff," he added.

In line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, relevant authorities are ensuring all possible measures to make Dubai the world’s best city to live and work in.

He further underlined RTA's commitment to offering the highest levels of excellence in provide safe and sustainable transit to all passengers in the emirate.

In March 2021, RTA collaborated with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and other authorities to administer COVID-19 vaccination among over 20,000 eligible taxis drivers and other public transport vehicle operators. RTA will continuously work towards prioritizing the health and safety of public transport employees, particularly those directly dealing with customers on a daily basis.

WAM