After the success of Dubai Bus on Demand, which crossed one million rides earlier this year, followed by launch of similar services in Abu Dhabi and Ajman, United Trans and Via plan to expand their presence to offer smart transportation solutions in other GCC countries.
The service, provided by United Trans, a subsidiary of Alserkal Group, is transforming regional transportation with its on-demand bus service in partnership with local authorities such as Dubai RTA, Abu Dhabi ITC, and Ajman Transport Authority.
With the UAE hosting COP 28 later this year and setting stringent decarbonisation goals, smart mobility solutions, such as on-demand public transportation, are spearheading the nation’s sustainability future.
In a country that is dominated by personal car use, passenger vehicles are responsible for nearly 15 percent of the UAE’s carbon emissions. Efficiently matching multiple passengers into a single vehicle provides a strong alternative to private vehicle use.
According to a study by Boston Consulting Group, on-demand public transportation could help cities reduce traffic by 15 percent to 30 percent. This shifting of passengers away from private vehicles also reduces pollution and climate-damaging carbon emissions. Bus on Demand has also enhanced social and economic mobility and people have better first-mile and last-mile connectivity to opportunities, healthcare, and education, which has spurred economic growth and improve quality of life.
Ahmad Alserkal, chairman of Alserkal Group, United Trans, said: “In 2023, the UAE Year of Sustainability, we look forward to expanding access to on-demand ride-sharing services.
“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.”
United Trans and Via, a transport service provider and public mobility solutions developer signed a contract with the RTRA and introduced bus on-demand ride-sharing service in the region. Dubai Bus on Demand has received high ratings and has become an important part of the city’s public transportation infrastructure. United Trans and Via are focused on further expansions of on demand transportation for both public and private sectors in the region.
GCC countries are developing well-organised ecosystems to build a sustainable future with innovative solutions that ensure the best experience for residents and visitors. United Trans and Via plan to expand their presence to offer smart transportation solutions in other GCC countries, the companies said in a press release.
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.
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. In the 12th edition of the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport 2021 (DAST), the Transport Authority Government of Ajman won first place for their Bus On Demand Service in the Mobility Management category.
During the COVID-19 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. The Abu Dhabi Healthcare Link app gave healthcare workers a safe and reliable means of transport during a public health crisis. Buoyed by these successful initiatives, ITC rebranded the on-demand application as ‘Abu Dhabi Link’ and expanded the service for the public across many zones in Abu Dhabi.
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