Dubai , April 9 , 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a new
global record, with its public bus fleet achieving a cumulative
operational distance exceeding 2 million km per bus while maintaining
high efficiency over 18 years of uninterrupted service. This
unprecedented milestone further reinforces Dubai’s position as a
leading global hub for innovation and sustainability.
This exceptional achievement reflects the success of RTA’s strategy to
maximise asset utilisation and adopt the highest circular economy
standards, while underscoring the efficiency of preventive and
operational maintenance practices implemented across the bus fleet.
Global Benchmarks
Figures confirm that RTA’s buses have surpassed the 2 million km
threshold, significantly outperforming their counterparts in major global
cities. The highest distances recorded were 1.3 million km in London
and 1.4 million km in Singapore. The fleet has maintained
uninterrupted operations for 18 years, exceeding its planned service
life while sustaining high operational efficiency. In 2025, the buses
recorded an availability rate exceeding 93%, alongside an
exceptionally low fault rate compared with global benchmarks.
Success Story
This achievement goes beyond being a mere figure; it represents a
genuine success story that reflects RTA’s vision of developing a smart
and sustainable public transport system that integrates advanced
technology with operational efficiency. It is the outcome of sustained
efforts by a dedicated professional team committed to the highest
standards of quality and performance, reaffirming Dubai’s steadyprogress towards strengthening its position among the world’s best
cities for quality of life and services.
This record milestone represents a qualitative addition to Dubai’s
distinguished track record of achievements and underscores its
continued commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable public
transport services that enhance customer happiness and support
smart mobility across the emirate.
This achievement carries far-reaching strategic dimensions that
reinforce Dubai’s standing as a smart and sustainable city. Extending
the operational lifespan of buses directly reduces waste associated
with vehicle manufacturing and replacement, supporting Dubai’s
environmental sustainability objectives. It also delivers remarkable
savings in capital expenditure by prolonging asset life and deferring
the need for fleet renewal.
Achieving these performance levels reflects the effectiveness of
preventive maintenance plans and precision maintenance practices
managed with high operational efficiency, setting a benchmark
regionally and globally.
