UAE leads the way in on-demand public transportation in the Middle East

United Trans transforming transportation in partnership with Dubai RTA and other local transport authorities

Leading transport services provider United Trans, a subsidiary of the Alserkal Group, is transforming regional transportation with its revolutionary on-demand bus service in partnership with local authorities such as Dubai RTA, Abu Dhabi ITC, and Ajman Transport Authority.

United Trans and Via, the leading transport service provider and public mobility solutions developer, were the first to successfully introduce bus on-demand ride-sharing service in the region, thanks to a contract with RTA. Dubai Bus on Demand has received high ratings and has become an important part of Dubai’s public transportation infrastructure.

The service has achieved a landmark one million rides since its launch in early 2020. United Trans and Via are focused on further expansions of on demand transportation for both public and private sectors in the region.

Force for good

“On-demand public transit can be a powerful force for good in achieving the region’s ambitions for a greener future, greater social and economic mobility, and smart cities. United Trans is committed to strengthening public transport networks throughout the region by leveraging the latest and greatest technology to serve our communities,” affirmed Ahmad Alserkal, Chairman, Alserkal Group, United Trans.

“We look forward to the future of our partnership with RTA and United Trans as we continue to introduce new and innovative approaches to transportation and, together, set a strong example for what is possible for communities across the Middle East,” asserted Dillon Twombly, Chief Revenue Officer, Via.

The technology from Via used by United Trans to power Dubai Bus on Demand can be used to help other local authorities and organisations best meet customers and employee demands and to provide a high quality of service and user experience.

Increased ridership at lower costs

Such public-private partnerships increase ridership, reduce operational costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Dubai Bus on Demand, for instance, has been able to solve the city’s first- and last-mile challenge of getting residents to existing transportation infrastructure in a comfortable, flexible, and affordable manner.

From students and office workers to families and tourists, the transport needs of a large swathe of the population are being served, proven by over one million trips taken since launch in 2020, out of which more than 400K were completed last year alone.

Ajman Transport Authority

In partnership with Ajman Transport Authority, United Trans and Via also launched an on-demand public transportation service in Ajman. The service has quickly gained popularity, and demand is expected to rise even further in the Emirate of Ajman.

During the pandemic, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of Abu Dhabi launched a new on-demand emergency transportation system in Abu Dhabi in partnership with United Trans and Via to provide free rides for medical workers, a press communique concluded.