Dubai Metro Ridership Surges to 802.1 Million as Citizens Embrace Alternative Transport
Dubai has witnessed a significant shift in transportation habits, with its public transport system experiencing a remarkable surge in ridership. In 2025, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reported that 802.1 million passengers utilized the city’s public transport network, marking a 7.4% increase from the previous year’s 747.1 million. This growth translates to an average daily ridership of 2.2 million, reflecting a broader trend of residents opting for alternatives to private car travel.
The Numbers Behind the Surge
The Dubai Metro has played a pivotal role in this transformation. In 2025, the combined ridership of the Metro’s red and green lines reached 294.7 million trips, showcasing a year-over-year growth of 7%. Notably, one in three public transport users chose the Metro as their preferred mode of travel.
Key stations have emerged as hubs of activity, correlating with major residential and commercial areas. The BurJuman interchange served 17.8 million passengers across both lines, while Union Station led the Red Line with 13.6 million riders. Other popular stations included the Mall of the Emirates with 11.2 million and Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall with 10.9 million. On the Green Line, Sharaf DG topped ridership with 10.5 million passengers.
This upward momentum continued into 2026, highlighted by a record-breaking 2.8 million passengers transported by the RTA on New Year’s Eve, a 13% increase from the previous year, despite a 43-hour service interruption.
Why More People Are Choosing Public Transport
The shift towards public transport is not merely coincidental. With Dubai’s population on the rise, the roads have become increasingly congested, prompting residents to seek more efficient travel options. The RTA’s commitment to regular service schedules has enhanced the predictability of the Metro, especially during peak hours when connecting residential areas to commercial districts.
Shared mobility services, including on-demand vehicles and app-based rides, have also seen substantial growth, with ridership increasing by 30% and their market share rising to 9% of total riders, up from 6.2% in 2023. Meanwhile, taxi fares have decreased for the third consecutive year, not due to diminished demand but rather because of the attractiveness of alternative transport options.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, attributed this growth to the increasing trust passengers have in the efficiency of the transport network and the quality of terminal services. The integration of metro, bus, tram, and marine transport with shared mobility services has effectively lowered barriers that previously made public transport less convenient.
A Lifestyle Shift Taking Shape
Beyond the statistics, a cultural transformation is unfolding in Dubai regarding mobility. The growing preference for public transit marks a significant change in a city where car ownership was once seen as a status symbol.
Dubai is approaching its goal of achieving a 25% share of public and shared mobility in total transport modes. By 2024, public transport accounted for 21.6% of all trips, contributing to the broader objective of 42.3% sustainable mobility outlined in Dubai’s Plan 2030.
Younger, urban, and cost-conscious individuals are driving this change. For many, particularly in the middle class, the Metro has evolved from a last-resort option to a viable choice. Its expansion into residential and commercial areas has made it a practical part of daily life, a stark contrast to the situation a decade ago.
What it Means for the City
The increase in public transport usage has far-reaching implications for urban planning, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The RTA aims to boost bus and taxi ridership by 10% through the extension of six bus corridors, totaling 13 kilometers, while also enhancing bus on-time performance by 42% and reducing journey times by 41%.
Future infrastructure plans are ambitious. The Blue Line, set to be completed in 2029, will span 30 kilometers and include 14 stations. Construction of the Gold Line is scheduled to begin in 2026, with an expected opening in 2032, covering 42 kilometers and featuring 18 stations, backed by an investment of AED 34 billion. The RTA is also exploring the feasibility of trackless trams, which would operate across eight stations and be powered by electricity.
These investments reflect a vision for a more developed urban environment, one that is preparing for future challenges by fostering a smarter, denser city with reduced reliance on cars. The record ridership achieved in 2025 is not merely a target but a testament to the strategic direction taken by the city.
Source: timesofdubai.ae
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Published on 2026-05-08 13:12:00 • By the Editorial Desk
