Dubai’s RTA tests on-demand bus app

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has announced plans to pilot an on-demand bus service using an app.

The artificial intelligence-backed MVMANT app is named after the Italian-German company the RTA is partnering with as part of the Dubai Future Accelerators programme.

A trial run of the project will begin by the end of this month, allowing users to order a bus to take them to their destination.

It will include six buses deployed in Al Barsha and Al Waraqaa.

“A questionnaire would be conducted at metro stations for residents of these two districts to screen their needs, preferences and views about the service before being activated. This step aims to ensure that the service offering would live up to the aspirations of the targeted clientele for a convenient and safe mobility,” said Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s public transport agency.

Preparations are underway for flexible routing and scheduling of buses to enable customer to receive better services to and from their home.

The app will likely compete with existing mini bus drivers offering cheaper connections to and from work than traditional taxis.

It is one of several innovations unveiled at the Gitex Technology Week event in Dubai this week, including a loyalty programme for public transport nol cards and a new app allowing users to book and pay for nearly all of Dubai’s public transport options.

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