Dubai records 47 million fewer public transport journeys in first half of 2026
Dubai recorded 47 million fewer journeys on its public transport network in the first half of 2026, compared to the same period last year. The emirate's Roads and Transport Authority revealed on Sunday that 348.1 million trips were made from January to the end of June, representing a 12 per cent drop from the 395.3 million recorded in 2025. The decline in passenger numbers further highlights the…
Dubai's public transport network saw a significant drop in usage during the first half of 2026, with 47 million fewer journeys recorded compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The total number of journeys reached approximately 348.1 million passengers, averaging nearly 1.9 million per day.
This decline was primarily attributed to the Iran war, which led to a decrease in tourism and remote work arrangements for some companies. The Dubai Metro remained the most popular mode of transport, with 136.5 million journeys made on its Red and Green Lines, down from 143.9 million in 2025. Taxi services saw a 16% decrease, while public bus journeys fell by 10.6 million, and Dubai Tram usage dropped by 1.1 million trips.
Marine transport and shared mobility services also experienced a decline in popularity. Despite these challenges, the RTA remains committed to investing in the future of public transport in Dubai, emphasizing its importance in sustainable mobility and the city's growth.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
