Dubai Taxi Rides Surge by 500,000 in H1 2024
The total number of journeys reached 55.7 million, up from 55.3 million in H1 2023.
Dubai's taxi sector saw a notable increase in trips during the first half (H1) of 2024, with 500,000 additional journeys compared to the same period last year. The total number of journeys reached 55.7 million, up from 55.3 million in H1 2023.[1]
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Passenger numbers also rose, increasing from 96.2 million to 96.9 million. The sector expanded its workforce from 26,000 to 30,000 drivers, and the total number of taxis in operation grew to 12,778, adding 644 vehicles compared to the previous year.
Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at the Public Transport Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), noted that the rise in journeys, drivers, and vehicles reflects the growing demand for the service and ensures customer needs are being met.
The e-hail service Hala Taxi played a significant role in this growth, with e-bookings accounting for 40% of all taxi journeys in Dubai during H1 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 76% of Hala journeys had an average vehicle arrival time of under 3.5 minutes, improving from 73% in the same period last year.
Recently, Dubai revealed its 'Green Spine' project, envisioning a 64-kilometer sustainable corridor along Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311). Spearheaded by URB and developed by EPIC Lab, this initiative aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
In May, Dubai announced a comprehensive plan that emphasizes the expansion of remote work policies across public and private sectors. The initiative aims to ease the burden of traffic during peak hours across the city.
Also, Dubai introduced a major new quality-of-life strategy to enhance the well-being of the emirate under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
The goal of the strategy is to make Dubai the world's best place to live, work, and travel. The plan includes an integrated roadmap for sustainable urban development in the city for all facets of the community.