Gulf transport

Has anyone ever noticed how much Dubai’s buses have changed? Gulf Transport, right here, reflects this amazing evolution. It represents the journey from rickety minibuses to the sophisticated network we see today. In 1968, four small, 17-seater minibuses began operating in Dubai. They plied two routes, mainly serving Asian expatriate communities. The fare was a mere 25 fils, taking passengers from Al Ittihad Road to Al Sabkha. These early buses were Tata-manual, a far cry from the modern vehicles we see now. By the 1990s, air-conditioned Nissan buses had replaced the minibuses. The fleet grew to 30 vehicles, handling around 6.6 million passenger trips annually. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), formed in 2005, inherited a fleet of 500 buses and over 60 routes. Today, Gulf Transport symbolizes a network of nearly 1,300 vehicles. Over 1,000 of these buses are on the roads during peak hours, carrying millions of passengers daily. Dubai’s public bus occupancy rate is impressively high, ranking third globally after Germany and France. To further enhance the experience, Gulf transport and the city have implemented numerous improvements. Air-conditioned bus stops, journey planner apps like Wojahati, and seamless connectivity with the Dubai Metro are prime examples. Articulated and double-decker buses were introduced in 2007 and 2008, respectively, adding to the diversity of the fleet. Technological advancements, like automated bus management systems, electronic fare collection, and real-time passenger information systems, further elevate the Gulf transport experience. Even Wi-Fi is available on board. Thursday is the busiest day for Dubai’s buses, with passenger trips reaching 390,000. Interestingly, Saturdays see the least activity, with around 320,000 trips. Gulf Transport’s story is a testament to Dubai’s incredible growth and its commitment to providing efficient and comfortable public transport. From humble beginnings, it has evolved into a world-class system.