Latest news with #RTA
Gulf Business
4 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Hala taxi trips in Dubai up 12%, users increase by 10% in H1 2025
Image: Hala/ RTA Taxi trips in Dubai rose 12 per cent year-on-year in H1, while active users increased by 10 per cent, the company said in a statement. In The company expanded its fleet by 250 vehicles in the first half and plans to add another 600 by year-end. Hala also introduced four new electric vehicles and reported that 90 per cent of its total fleet is now hybrid. EV trips helped avoid an estimated 272.61 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) during the period. Customer satisfaction held steady at 4.9 out of 5, with 98 per cent of trips rated 'Good' or higher. Hala maintained an average ETA of under three minutes in peak zones and recorded a 93 per cent trip fulfilment rate. Low-rated trips (1–3 stars) fell by 25 per cent, customer contact rates dropped 13 per cent, and cancellations were down 17 per cent. Hala: New drivers, sustainable scaling To support growth, over 2,600 new drivers – known as 'captains' – were onboarded and trained in H1, while more than 6,000 existing captains completed refresher training. Hala also rolled out several service enhancements, including upgraded hygiene protocols and a new in-car scent experience developed with fragrance brand Rituals. CEO Khaled Nuseibeh said the results reflect 'continuous improvement and sustainable scaling' across Hala's operations. 'Whether it's through Captain Care, listening to our riders, or investing in greener mobility, we are scaling in a way that is sustainable, responsive, and responsible,' he said. Hala operates through the Careem app and serves as a major player in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah's public transport network. The company said it remains focused on expanding tech-enabled, low-emission transport options in line with broader urban mobility and climate goals. A cornerstone of Hala's growth is its emphasis on the well-being of its captains, who benefit from ongoing development opportunities such as regular training on safety, tech, and service standards, alongside support mechanisms for physical and mental well-being. Top-performing captains are regularly recognised and rewarded, while flexible scheduling options and financial support programmes are in place to help them balance their personal and professional lives. As demand for tech-enabled, reliable transport continues to grow, Hala remains focused on delivering measurable impact across convenience, service quality, and environmental responsibility. Integrated within the Careem app, Hala continues to play a key role in strengthening urban mobility in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.
Emirates 24/7
4 hours ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
RTA Partners with e& to Provide Free Wi-Fi on All Intercity Buses
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with e&, has completed the rollout of free Wi-Fi on all its 259 intercity buses. The initiative is designed to enhance the daily commuting experience for passengers travelling between Dubai and other emirates of Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah. Passengers can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout their journey using smartphones, tablets, or laptops. The service enables them to stay connected to work, manage personal commitments, and browse the internet while on the move. This initiative forms part of RTA's broader efforts to accelerate digital transformation across its services, ensuring they meet the needs of all segments of the community. It aligns with the UAE Digital Government Strategy and reflects RTA's commitment to enhancing daily mobility by making bus journeys more enjoyable and productive. The move also supports Dubai's ambition to become the world's smartest and happiest city. The service will be subject to continuous and rigorous evaluation, in collaboration with e&, with a view to expanding and enhancing its features. This approach ensures the provision of best-in-class Wi-Fi connectivity for intercity bus passengers as well as users of marine transport services across Dubai. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai: Free Wi-Fi now available on all 259 intercity buses, all you need to know
TL;DR All intercity buses operated by Dubai's RTA now offer free Wi-Fi. The service covers routes between Dubai and Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah. Passengers can connect using phones, laptops, or tablets during their trip. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with the telecommunications company e&, has added free Wi-Fi to every intercity bus in its network. This covers 259 buses that run between Dubai and other emirates, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The new service lets passengers stay connected during their journeys using any Wi-Fi-enabled device. Whether for work, personal tasks, or general browsing, the internet is now accessible without extra charges or logins. The move comes through a partnership with telecom provider e& (formerly Etisalat) and is part of a broader push to improve digital access across public services. It supports the UAE's National Digital Government Strategy, which focuses on making services more connected and user-friendly. The RTA says the service will be regularly reviewed and improved to ensure stable and consistent performance across the full intercity network. What Passengers Can Expect Intercity bus users will be able to connect to the internet for free using their smartphones, tablets, and laptops while commuting, allowing them to stay connected to work and other activities, as well as browse the internet in general. Check and reply to work emails Use maps or trip-planning apps Stream music or watch videos Stay in touch with family and friends Read the news or browse social media For regular commuters, especially those with long rides between cities, having internet access makes the trip more productive and less tiring. Where the Wi-Fi Is Available The service is live across all RTA intercity buses between the Emirate of Dubai and the other Emirates. Routes include: Dubai ↔ Sharjah Dubai ↔ Abu Dhabi Dubai ↔ Ajman Dubai ↔ Fujairah Service coverage is active throughout the journey, though speed may vary depending on location or signal strength in some remote areas. The Broader Plan This step is part of the Roads and Transport Authority's continuous work to speed up digital upgrades across its services, aiming to serve all parts of the community. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It aligns with the UAE's National Digital Government Strategy. It also shows the Authority's dedication to enhancing everyday transport by making bus trips more useful and pleasant, while helping Dubai move closer to its goal of being the smartest and happiest city worldwide. Improving the Commuter Experience The RTA said the service will be monitored and refined over time. There are also plans to explore similar services for other forms of public transport, including marine transport. This move reflects a broader aim to build a well-connected public transit system that supports everyday needs without adding cost or complexity. Last month, the RTA introduced free Wi-Fi at all 43 bus and marine transport stations across Dubai. Meanwhile, free Wi-Fi is available at many public places across the country, including all Dubai Metro stations, Dubai International Airport, and Al Maktoum International Airport. FAQ 1. Is the Wi-Fi really free for everyone? Yes. You don't need to register or pay anything. Just connect through your device's Wi-Fi settings while on the bus. 2. Is the service reliable the whole way? The Wi-Fi works throughout the journey. However, signal strength may fluctuate slightly in some less-covered areas. 3. Will other transport services in Dubai get Wi-Fi too? The RTA plans to review this option for other public services, including marine transport, but no exact timeline has been shared yet.
Barnama
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Thai, Cambodian Troops Clash At Disputed Border
BANGKOK, July 24 (Bernama) -- A fresh clash between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted early Thursday along the disputed border, amid heightened tensions following a downgrade of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In a brief statement, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) said the skirmish occurred near the Ta Muen Thom Temple, located in Thailand's northeastern Surin province on Thursday morning. According to the RTA, the confrontation allegedly occurred after Cambodian forces opened fire along the Thai-Cambodian border. bootstrap slideshow "The Cambodian side was observed deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for reconnaissance before dispatching troops equipped with heavy weapons to engage in the clash," the RTA stated. Meanwhile, Agency Kampuchea Press reported that armed clashes took place along the Cambodia–Thailand border in Oddar Meanchey province on Thursday morning. 'Cambodian forces acted strictly within the bounds of self-defence, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity,' said Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata. On Wednesday, the Thai government downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia in immediate retaliation after another Thai soldier sustained injuries from what the government claimed was a newly planted landmine. The Cambodian government reciprocated by lowering its diplomatic ties with Thailand to the lowest level on Thursday. Tensions between the two countries have been escalating since May 28, when a deadly clash broke out between Thai and Cambodian troops along the disputed Preah Vihear border area. One Cambodian soldier was killed in that exchange of fire.
The Star
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Tribunal key to curbing rental bias'
Rajiv, speaking at the forum in Petaling Jaya, says a rental tribunal will be able to address disputes for both tenants and landlords. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star A RENTAL tribunal under the proposed Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) can help address issues related to rental disputes, eviction claims and race-based discrimination, a forum has heard. Findings by Architect of Diversity (AoD) show that reasons for discrimination by landlords can be grouped into three categories – bad experiences, poor resolution mechanisms leading to overreaction, and prejudice masked as 'racial preference' alongside cultural or religious concerns. Wee: Biases pervasive in rental industry. AoD executive director Jason Wee said the race-based filtering issue by landlords and property agents remained widespread. 'There are many findings across our research and public sentiment surveys on landlords and tenants.' If the bill is not tabled and passed, it will continue to do injustice to the affected Malaysians, Wee said during a forum by Social Democracy Malaysia (SocDem) and AoD in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. He added that some property websites still allowed filtering of prospective tenants by race. The forum, titled 'Tackling Rental Racial Discrimination', explored how the long-awaited legislation could formalise protections and promote equal treatment. 'Fear of income loss is the landlord's top concern, often leading them to screen tenants based on race rather than financial credentials,' said Wee. Kusaaliny: Tribunal can protect both parties. SocDem co-founder and Petaling Jaya City Council Zone 11 councillor M. Kusaaliny said the proposed Act should include provisions for a rental tribunal. 'The goal of the tribunal is to protect interests of both tenant and landlord. 'It would allow both parties to resolve disputes efficiently without the cost of legal representation, with claims amount capped,' she said. 'No one wins in a broken rental system. 'If landlords cannot rent out their properties safely, the market slowly dies. 'If tenants cannot secure homes because of prejudice and harm caused by others, the cycle will never be broken,' Kusaaliny stressed. Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran, a tenant and landlord himself, said he understood the challenges faced by both sides. 'We need quick decisions on problems. 'If a tenant does not pay rent, or if there is a leaking roof or faulty toilet, bring these up to the tribunal,' he said. Rajiv said out of nine million households in Malaysia, about 1.8 million were staying in rented properties. 'Even if just 5% of these have disputes, that is enough to keep a tribunal busy,' he said. He highlighted that the tribunal could balance the interests of both landlords and tenants. 'If a tenant moves out and the landlord finds damage, taking legal action can cost around RM6,000 in fees. 'The tribunal would ease this burden. 'There must be a clear provision in the law that there will be no racial discrimination in housing. 'The most important element is to establish the tribunal,' said Rajiv.
