Dubai, UAE — A new taxi-sharing pilot service introduced by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is offering commuters an affordable and convenient way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The service, which began this week, allows passengers to share a taxi ride from Ibn Battuta Centre in Dubai to Al Wahda Centre in Abu Dhabi, saving them up to 75% on taxi fares.
Cheryl, a Filipina expatriate who frequently travels to Abu Dhabi for work, was among the first to try the new service on Tuesday morning. With long queues at the bus station and a wait time of up to an hour for a seat, she opted for the taxi-sharing initiative. “I was so happy when I read about it in the news,” she said. “I usually take the bus, but this morning, I decided to try sharing a taxi. I asked a couple of people if they wanted to join, and they agreed.”
Under the new pilot program, up to four passengers can share a taxi. The cost per person is Dh66 when the taxi is shared by four, and Dh88 when shared by three. Cheryl, who usually takes the bus, noted the time savings as a major advantage of the new service, especially during peak hours. “Waiting for a bus would take between 45 minutes to an hour. This taxi-sharing option is perfect for me,” she added.
Greg, a British expat traveling to the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec), also benefited from the taxi-sharing initiative. Initially prepared to pay around Dh250 for a solo taxi ride, he joined Cheryl and another couple in the shared taxi. “It only cost me Dh66, which is a fraction of what I would have paid,” he said.
The service, which is being tested for six months, aims to reduce traffic congestion by promoting shared rides, which in turn helps lower carbon emissions and cuts down on unlicensed transport services. The RTA plans to tailor or expand the service based on feedback during the pilot phase.
Taxi drivers, many of whom had previously turned down requests for shared rides due to legal restrictions, have welcomed the move. One driver explained, “Before, people would ask to share taxis, but I couldn’t allow it because it was against the law. Now, it’s great for both drivers and passengers. We can legally carry more people and provide a better experience for everyone.”
The taxi-sharing service is especially popular during peak hours, from 7 to 8 a.m., when demand for transportation to Abu Dhabi is highest. A typical taxi ride from Ibn Battuta to Al Wahda Centre takes about an hour, significantly faster than the bus, which has multiple stops along the way.
The RTA’s initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to improve transport efficiency and sustainability in the region, providing commuters with a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to individual taxis and buses.
