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    Dubai RTA Reports 20% Surge in Digital Metro and Tram Usage in First Half of 2025

    Dubai RTA Reports 20 Surge in Digital Metro and Tram Usage in First Half of 2025 (1)

    RTA digital metro usage jumped 20% in H1 2025 as more Dubai commuters ditched cash for smart platforms.

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a major milestone in its digital transformation efforts. During the first half of 2025, digital channel usage for Metro and Tram services rose by 20%, marking a new record in commuter tech adoption.

    Fast Facts

    • Usage Spike: RTA saw a 20% increase in digital Metro and Tram users in the first half of 2025.
    • Smart Adoption: Commuters preferred mobile apps, nol card recharges, and kiosks over traditional ticketing.
    • Eco-Friendly Shift: Digital usage supports paper reduction and faster passenger flow.
    • Smart City Vision: The trend aligns with Dubai’s AI and Smart Mobility goals for 2030.
    • Next Steps: RTA plans further AI-powered upgrades and predictive tools to enhance the commuter experience.

    Contactless Commuting Becomes the Norm

    The RTA attributed the sharp rise to growing trust in digital platforms such as the RTA Dubai App, nol card recharges, and smart kiosks. As more residents and tourists embrace mobile payments and real-time travel updates, physical ticket purchases are steadily declining.

    According to a report from WAM, the RTA processed millions of digital interactions between January and June 2025 across its Metro and Tram systems. These included trip planning, fare top-ups, and journey history access, all enabled through user-friendly interfaces and integrated smart services.

    Building a Smarter Transport Ecosystem

    The shift aligns with Dubai’s broader Smart City vision, where data and technology improve public service efficiency and sustainability. RTA officials say the move to digital reduces paper waste, improves passenger flow, and supports future AI and IoT integration in transport networks.

    “This 20% growth reflects our community’s confidence in using digital tools for daily mobility,” said an RTA spokesperson. “We aim to make every ride faster, safer, and smarter.”

    The boost also comes as the RTA expands real-time customer service and multilingual support across its digital channels, helping tourists and residents navigate more efficiently.

    Earlier this year, the RTA also launched pilot programs for AI-powered travel assistants and contactless biometric fare gates, part of Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in intelligent mobility.

    Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

    Experts believe this trend will continue to accelerate as Dubai hosts major global events and increases its urban population. In 2023 alone, the RTA recorded over 621 million public transport journeys, and that number is expected to grow significantly by the end of 2025, according to Gulf News.

    To maintain this momentum, RTA plans to roll out more upgrades to its digital infrastructure, including predictive journey planning, integrated payment systems, and further AI enhancements for customer service bots.

    As Dubai continues to lead the region in urban innovation, the RTA’s digital success story signals how public transport is evolving to meet the expectations of a connected, tech-savvy population.