Dubai mass transit records 2m rise in 6 months

Dubai - RTA data reveals over 273m used mass transit during the first half of the year compared to last year's 271m

Water taxis are gaining popularity in Dubai along with other means of public transport, the latest data of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reveals.
The report reflects an increased ridership with over 273million using mass transit during the first half of the year compared to last year's 271million in the same period.
While Water Taxis recorded 83.77 per cent rise in use, Dubai Taxis are no less wanted with 81 per cent relying on it during the first six months of the year.
Dubai Metro is still untouchable with its rising numbers in both green and red lines.
According to the Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, the growth epitomises the RTA's initiatives to make the mass transit the favourite mobility choice of people in the emirate.
"The number of Dubai Metro commuters, using both the Red and Green lines had soared considerably during the first six month of 2016 to reach 96.49million riders compared to 88.25 million during the same period of 2015."
About 61.million used Read Line compared to last year's 55.78million. Similarly, the ridership of the Green Line jumped from 32.47 million riders to 35.28 million in the first six months of the year.
A total of 2.54 million riders used Dubai Tram compared with 2.55 million of 2015.
In total, the public buses have served 69.92million riders in the first six months of this year. Of which, Dubai Bus service has accounted for the largest share of bus ridership recording 44.84million riders, followed by metro stations feeder service that was used by 16.44million riders. The intercity bus service lifted 5.57million and another 3.1million used the rented bus service provided to public and private entities.
Al Tayer said: "The marine transit means, comprising abra, water bus, water taxi and Dubai Ferry had lifted 7.14million riders during the first half of this year. Of which, 6.72million were abra riders. The waterbus served 324,921 riders, Dubai Ferry carried 74,330 riders, and the water taxi served 26,723 riders. Taxis operating in Dubai made 48.68million trips during the first half of this year, lifting 97.37million passengers."
Al Tayer was delighted with the results reflected in increased ridership, which are showing sustainable growth despite the public transport means have yet to be completed in the emirate.
The RTA strives to push the share of public transport means in the mobility of people to as high as 30 per cent by 2030. The share of public transport in people's mobility has soared from 6 per cent in 2006 to 15 per cent in 2015, and the rate is expected to reach 16 per cent by the end of this year.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai