Free unlimited Bus On Demand rides in Dubai: Who can use them and how to book

Dubai: The Bus on Demand service has added three new locations to its network, with the service now available in Al Quoz and set to begin in Satwa and Mirdif from August 10. As part of the introductory promotions, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that residents and visitors in the new area will be able to enjoy free, unlimited rides for a period of two weeks. Here is all you need to know about how you can get a free ride, and why the service is one of the most convenient ways to solve the last mile problem you might be facing. What is the Bus on Demand service? RTA’s Bus on Demand service, which was launched in 2020, allows commuters to book a bus to travel within specific service areas. For example, if you are in Mankhool and would like to move from your home to a hypermarket in your area, instead of booking a taxi, you can simply use the Bus on Demand app to move from one location to the other. The maximum ticket price for the service is AED5 per trip if you are travelling within the service area, but it can go up to AED7 if you opt for an interzone trip. The price point makes it an affordable and convenient option to complete short journeys in Dubai. Free, unlimited rides As part of the introductory promotion, you can enjoy free, unlimited rides in the following areas: Satwa: August 10-23 Mirdif: August 10-23 Al Quoz: July 30-August 16 Where can I use this service? With the recent expansion of the Bus on Demand network, the service is now available in the following communities: Al Barsha 1, 2 & 3 Al Nahda Al Karama Al Mankhool Al Rigga Business Bay Barsha Heights Downtown Dubai Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Dubai Academic City Dubai Silicon Oasis Oud Metha Port Saeed Al Qusais Jumeirah Village Circle Al Warqa 1,2,3 & 4 DIP 1 & 2 Al Quoz Mirdif Satwa Service timings Mon-Thu: 5am - Midnight Fri: 5am – 1am (next day) Sat: 5am – Midnight Sun: 8am – Midnight How much does it cost? While the standard fare is AED 5, you can even travel on the bus for a cost of AED 2 if you are on a route which has a promotional fare being offered. Here are the details: Standard Fare: AED 5 Additional Passenger Fare: AED 4 (this is for an extra rider added to the same booking) Interzone Standard Fare: AED 7 (if you are moving between adjacent zones within the designated service areas) Special fare discount for Business Bay: AED 2 (if you are travelling within the Business Bay area) Which interzone routes can I take on the Bus on Demand? The service also offers riders to move between the following zones: Al Barsha – Barsha Heights Al Rigga – Port Saeed Al Nahda – Al Qusais Dubai Silicon Oasis – Dubai Academic City Business Bay – Downtown Dubai Al Karama – Oud Mehta – Al Mankhool Interzone Promotional Fare Some interzone routes offer a discounted fare of AED 5 as well, instead of the standard AED 7: Al Barsha – Barsha Heights: AED 5 Al Rigga – Port Saeed: AED 5 Al Karama – Oud Metha: AED 5 Al Karama – Al Mankhool: AED 5 How to book the service You need to first download the ‘Dubai Bus on Demand’ app, which is available for Apple and Android users. Click on ‘Get started’. Enter your mobile number. You will then receive a one-time password via SMS on your number. Next, enable location services for the app, which will then pick up on your current location. If you are in an area which is not part of the service zones, you will see the notification ‘Out of Zone’. Select the number of passengers. Ensure the location is accurate, and move the location pin if required. Next, select your drop-off point, by entering the name of the location, or selecting it on the map. Next, select the bus you wish to take. You may see multiple options, with buses scheduled to arrive in the area. Confirm your booking, and make sure you are at the location in time for when the bus arrives. Once your ride is complete, you can pay for it using your nol card or your credit card, by tapping it on the payment machine with the driver.