Dubai unveils plan to boost 'last-mile' public transport links in drive to cut road traffic

Dubai has announced a comprehensive five-year initiative aimed at improving "last-mile" public transport connections to reduce reliance on private vehicles and ease congestion on the city's roads. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled the plan on Sunday, outlining ambitious goals to integrate cycling, walking, and other low-emission transportation methods into the existing public transit framework by 2030. Under the strategy, the RTA intends to link 25 residential neighborhoods with 63 public transport hubs over the next five years. This effort is part of a broader push to enhance air quality and accommodate the city's growing population. A new urban mobility system will focus on improving both the initial and final segments of commutes by incorporating more cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways into Dubai's expanding public transport network. Etihad Rail, which is expanding its reach beyond traditional rail corridors, is expected to play a pivotal role in this transformation. New extensions of the Dubai Metro are anticipated to provide access to several residential areas for the first time. However, a major hurdle lies in persuading drivers to switch from personal vehicles to public transport for their daily commutes. Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, emphasized that the plan aligns with Dubai's goal of becoming the best city globally to live in. He highlighted the importance of developing an integrated and sustainable transport system that matches urban and demographic growth while improving quality of life. Al Tayer referred to "soft mobility," encompassing low-emission, eco-friendly, and human-powered travel methods, as a critical component of the future mobility landscape. According to the RTA, the usage of bicycles and e-scooters has risen by 23 percent since 2024. Last year alone, there were 57.3 million bicycle rides and 39.6 million e-scooter trips recorded, reflecting a growing trend towards affordable and sustainable travel options within Dubai. Soft mobility initiatives are currently being rolled out in five districts, Dubai Marina, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga, and Al Muraqqabat, with additional areas expected to benefit as new transport networks expand. Existing soft mobility features can be found in locations such as Al Mankhool, Al Qusais, Al Karama, Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, Hor Al Anz, Abu Hail, and Al Souk Al Kabeer. Urban improvements focused on walkability and cycling infrastructure have been implemented near 37 Metro stations, including prominent sites like Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Onpassive, Gold Souq, BurJuman, Baniyas Square, Sharaf DG, and Abu Hail. These enhancements aim to make public transport more accessible and user-friendly through better-designed pedestrian and cycling paths, safer crossings, amenities for individuals with disabilities, shaded areas, and dedicated spaces for shared mobility services such as Careem Bikes and e-scooters. Al Tayer noted that the global mobility industry is experiencing a profound change in how infrastructure is conceived and evaluated. Success is increasingly defined by the ability of a mobility system to offer an interconnected, secure, and smooth experience allowing residents and visitors to transition seamlessly between various transport modes. Dubai has already established itself as home to one of the world's most sophisticated public transport systems by reinforcing these principles. The ongoing developments reflect a commitment to creating a transport ecosystem that prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and convenience for all users.