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a complete guide about the bus system in dubai in 2024

By Kuldeep Kumar

11-Nov-2024 0

Dubai has visitors not just from adjacent countries but from individuals across the world who come here for vacation and business purposes. At times, the number of tourists staying in Dubai is higher than the number of citizens located there. Hence, it is a known fact that Dubai sure has more than thousands of tourists entering every year and why wouldn't you try it out as well when you get to know all you need to know about the "bus system in Dubai in 2024" through Dubai E Visa Online and the services that it provides? So here is a chance to both get to know about Dubai bus services and about whether you can get a visa on arrival in Dubai.

Dubai transportation system in Dubai is being maintained by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Out of all the local transport options, bus services in Dubai are the cheapest and easiest way to travel anywhere within the UAE. On weekends, Fridays, and public holidays, bus schedules are rearranged in order to accommodate the rise in passenger traffic. So, let's look at the transport facilities (buses) in Dubai that will make your visit easy.

The bus system in Dubai: An effective way to travel anywhere in the city

There are different public transport facilities available in Dubai, like metros, taxis, buses, monorails, and many more, which are managed by the RTA.
The most convenient and cheapest way out of the transport facilities is through the bus service facility.
The Public Transport Agency provides public bus services with a large fleet of 1,518 buses. PTA operates an extended bus network of 119 internal lines, 35 lines linking to metro stations, 12 intercity lines to transport passengers to other emirates, 8 fast lines, and 62 internal routes.
The network in the UAE covers almost 82% of the urban areas and involves transporting about 369,248 passengers per day.
The types of buses available are Double Decker, Standard, Articulated, and Mero Link.

RTA supports Dubai's transformation into a smart city and fosters its strategic goals, which are designed to meet your needs. Here is the complete travel guide that you would want to know about Dubai bus facilities:

READ ALSO: HOW TO APPLY DUBAI TRANSIT VISA

Basic requirement: The NOL card

The best thing about transportation in Dubai is that all the services use the same ticket type, called the NOL card, so you don't have to worry about purchasing a different ticket for each service.
The NOL is a smart card that permits travellers to use various RTA transport modes (metro, buses, water buses, paid parking, and abra rides) with a single card.
With its 'touch and go' feature, you only need to tap your card on the card reader at the entry and exit gates of the Metro and Waterbus stations in Dubai.
Always remember to keep a minimum balance of 7.5 AED in your card while using public transport.
The system automatically charges the correct fare from your card.

There are 4 types of NOL cards:

Red: The Red card can be bought for only AED 2 from any ticket vending machine. This card can then be loaded with up to 10 single trips.
Silver: The Silver card allows you to travel on all the modes of transport (unlike the Red ticket) and can be loaded with up to AED 5,000 with a validity of up to 5 years. The card costs AED 25 and has an AED 19 e-purse value.
Gold: The Gold card allows you to access the privileged Gold-class cabins on the Dubai metro and trams, which is perfect for tourists and locals.
Blue: The blue card ( NOL Personal Card) is similar to the silver card. It provides discounts for students and senior citizens on Metro and free travel for those with disabilities, available to locals only.

Bus stations and timings

The RTA runs a fleet of around 1,500 state-of-the-art buses that connect the entire city of Dubai.
The buses used by the RTA are air-conditioned and equipped with NOL card sensors at the entry and exit points, which are easily accessible by people with special needs.
There are two main bus stations in Dubai: Al Ghubabiah and Gold Souq, with numerous bus stops along the way. The major bus stations are divided into 7 substations, 5 feeder bus stations, and 1 outside bus station.
As mentioned by me, passengers are required to carry their NOL card while boarding and getting off the bus to be charged the correct amount for the trip.
The cost of a one-way ticket is rated at $1.60–2.00 (5.80–7.00 AED).

READ ALSO: STAY WITH A FRIEND IN DUBAI

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: There is dedicated access for wheelchair users on the bus making it one of the best transit networks.
Platform Alerts: There is an audible beep when doors open and close and corresponding flashing light signals.
Tactile guidance: Contrasting the tactile guidance path acts as guidelines for the visually impaired to walk on.
Informative Displays: Multiple screens host bus stops information and general notification about the next trip and safety.
Cafeteria and vending machines: The facilities are available and installed in all main bus stops.
Parking: Parking spots for taxis and cycle stands are available at the main stations.

Safety Rules and policies

Baggage Policy

Colossal luggage, hazardous resources, and animals are not allowed inside the bus.
Do not place your luggage in the gangway.

Rules and fines

You will be fined AED 500 for using fake cards.
You will be fined AED 200 for using invalid or expired cards, using a card designated for others, and not paying the due amount.
There are other types of punishment for offensive activities and misbehaving or damaging public transport.

Etiquette

Stay away from the bus doors until the driver opens them to allow you to board.
Board the bus through the front door and alight from the rear. Ladies and children may enter the bus from the front door.
Do not engage in conversation or arguments with the bus driver.
Do not operate any harmonious instrument or sound-reproducing equipment to the annoyance of other commuters or the bus driver.
Do not beg any favours while on the bus.
Do not try to leave the bus until the bus comes to a complete halt.

Conclusion

When it comes to travelling, Dubai is affordable for tourists as well as for the locals. The transport services are cheap, efficient, and affordable for every individual. The most important thing to take care of is the safety of both you and the people that accompany you. The authorities take care of safety and follow strict guidelines to avoid any kind of misconduct. That is all you need to know about the bus system in Dubai in 2024 and everything that will cover you up when you travel around Dubai.

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