Dubai Bus-on-Demand Now Covers 20 Areas After Latest Expansion
By Saud
Getting around Dubai without a private car has become easier for residents of three more neighbourhoods after RTA expanded its Bus-on-Demand network.
The service has added **Al Satwa, Al Quoz and Mirdif**, taking the total number of covered areas to 20.
Unlike conventional public buses that follow fixed routes and stops, Bus-on-Demand uses smaller shared vehicles and adjusts journeys according to passenger bookings within supported areas.
Passengers request their trip through the service’s mobile application, which then directs them to a nearby pick-up location.
The expansion comes as demand continues to grow. According to RTA figures, Bus-on-Demand carried **527,000 passengers during the first half of 2026**, an increase of 25.1% compared with the same period last year.
The fleet has also expanded to 55 buses.
Payment options include credit cards, debit cards and Nol cards.
Existing service areas include locations such as Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Al Barsha, Barsha Heights, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, DIFC, JVC and Dubai Investment Park.
For residents, the service can be particularly useful for first- and last-mile journeys where the nearest Metro station or regular bus stop is not within comfortable walking distance.
**Why this matters**
Dubai is gradually creating a public-transport network where passengers can combine Metro, regular buses, taxis and shared mobility rather than relying on a private vehicle for every journey.
Expanding Bus-on-Demand into residential and commercial districts can make those connections more practical.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
**Which areas were newly added?**
Al Satwa, Al Quoz and Mirdif.
**How many areas are now covered?**
Twenty areas across Dubai.
**Can I use my Nol card?**
Yes. Nol is among the available payment options.
**Source Credits**
Information source and resource owners: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, Government of Dubai Media Office and Bus-on-Demand service operators.
Image sources are combined from AI-generated visuals and other platforms. If any owner wants to be mentioned or any content needs to be changed, please email us at concerns@whatmatters.ae.
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