Dubai launches on-demand public transport

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai and United Trans have launched Bus on Demand (pictured), a service allowing public transport users in the Emirate to hail a public bus when they need it. 

The Bus on Demand app lets riders hail a vehicle directly from their smartphones in five zones around major transportation hubs in Dubai, one of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

RTA Dubai wants the Bus on Demand app to become an integral part of its new first- and last-mile strategy, with dynamic routing drawing more people into the public transport system and out of their cars. 

The system enables multiple riders to share vehicles seamlessly and flexibly, without fixed routes and schedules, or lengthy detours. It should help reduce congestion and emissions and make it easier to get around Dubai. 

The app, available for iOS and Android, was designed by New York-based mobility developer Via, which previously developed similar apps for Seattle, Los Angeles and Sydney.