Latest news with #RTA
Hi Dubai
44 minutes ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
RTA and e& Launch Free Wi-Fi on All Intercity Buses to Boost Passenger Connectivity
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with e&, has announced the successful rollout of free Wi-Fi across all 259 of its intercity buses. The initiative aims to elevate the travel experience for thousands of daily commuters journeying between Dubai and neighbouring emirates, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah. Passengers can now enjoy uninterrupted internet connectivity throughout their trip using mobile phones, tablets, or laptops. Whether catching up on work emails, browsing the web, or staying in touch with family and friends, travellers will be able to make better use of their commute time. The move is part of RTA's broader digital transformation strategy and supports the UAE Digital Government initiative, which focuses on improving service accessibility and user satisfaction. By integrating smart technologies into public transport services, RTA continues to build toward its vision of making Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world. The provision of free Wi-Fi on all intercity buses reflects our commitment to enhancing the commuter experience and providing services that align with the evolving digital needs of our community, said an RTA spokesperson. This step not only improves convenience but also supports our broader goal of smart mobility. The service will be monitored and refined in collaboration with e& to ensure optimal performance and coverage. The two entities also plan to explore the possibility of expanding similar services to marine transport systems in the near future, offering passengers a consistently connected journey across different modes of public transit. As Dubai continues to invest in digital infrastructure, such initiatives further strengthen the city's position as a forward-thinking hub for innovation and sustainable urban living. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Khaleej Times
44 minutes ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Free WiFi now available on all intercity buses
Working on the move while travelling from Dubai to another emirate? Or trying to connect with family or friends back home? Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Wednesday, July 23, that it has completed the rollout of the free Wi-Fi service on all of its 259 intercity buses. The initiative, in partnership with e&, 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. On June 17, the RTA completed the rollout of free Wi-Fi service in all 43 bus and marine transport stations across Dubai. Meanwhile, several public places in the country offer the service without any charges.
Time Out Dubai
an hour ago
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai's RTA rolls out free Wi-Fi on all buses to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and Fujairah
If you're catching a bus in the UAE soon, you'll be able to keep scrolling through your feed. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has completed the rollout of free wi-fi on all its intercity buses travelling from Dubai to the other emirates. All 259 intercity buses now have free e& wi-fi for passengers, so your trips to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and Fujairah just got better. The service will be available on smartphones, tablets and laptops throughout your journey. It means you'll now be able to browse the internet, catch up on work and manage your emails while in transit. According to the RTA, the service will be continuously evaluated, so you shouldn't expect lengthy buffering times when you're connected to the wi-fi. (Credit: RTA) The initiative is part of the RTA's wider efforts to accelerate digital transformation across its services and meet the needs of its community. The free wi-fi aligns with the UAE's Digital Government Strategy and reflects the RTA's commitment to improving daily mobility by making bus journeys both more enjoyable and productive. Previously, the authority has rolled out free wi-fi at public bus stations and marine transport stations across the emirate. Tech giant e& also operates the free wi-fi at 21 public bus stations and 22 marine transport stations across Dubai. Plans are in place to roll out the e& (Etisalat) wi-fi service to all 43 RTA bus stations and marine transport stations. Those who use the Dubai Metro will also be familiar with the du service in place throughout the Red Line and the Green Line. Making plans? 21 brilliant things to do in Dubai at night Have fun in the evening Dubai ladies' night deals, offers and discounts These are too good to miss Dubai happy hours for great nights (or days) out at a steal Offers to make you smile
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: No visa renewal for Dubai residents without paying traffic fines, what expats need to know
Dubai's new system requires residents to settle all unpaid traffic fines, either fully or via instalments, before completing visa renewals/ Image: Dubai Media Office TL;DR Dubai residents must clear all traffic fines before renewing or issuing residency visas, under a new pilot system by GDRFA. The system is designed to encourage rule-following, not punish, payment in instalments is available via RTA's Tabby platform. It's not fully rolled out yet and currently excludes Dubai Airport's GDRFA centre. RTA now allows fines and other fees to be paid digitally across apps, kiosks, and its website with flexible plans. Dubai residents must now settle all outstanding traffic fines before renewing or issuing their residency visas, under a newly piloted system launched by Dubai's immigration and road transport authorities. This initiative is being spearheaded by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Accoring to reports, the rule has not been rolled out universally across all government touchpoints yet but is actively being trialled at several visa service centres, excluding the GDRFA centre at Dubai Airport. The GDRFA confirmed that the system is still in the pilot phase and is being implemented gradually. This means that any Dubai resident with unpaid traffic fines will be prompted to clear them before they can complete their visa transactions. The goal, according to officials, is not to impose restrictions but to reinforce accountability and encourage lawful conduct among residents. The system has been structured to avoid disruption, allowing payment in full or through instalment plans, depending on the individual's situation. System Designed with Flexibility and Convenience Officials say the system is intended to be fair and manageable. Residents with large pending fines can opt to pay them off in instalments. Flexibility is a key feature of the initiative, which has been developed after extensive internal reviews and the assessment of thousands of individual cases. To make the process smooth and accessible, RTA has upgraded its digital services, integrating Tabby, a payment platform, into all its digital channels. These include the RTA website, RTA app, nol Pay app, and previously installed smart kiosks. Residents can now pay for up to 170 services, including traffic fines, vehicle licence renewals, and driving licence transactions, through Tabby's instalment system. Tabby enables users to divide their payments into up to four instalments, significantly reducing the financial burden of lump-sum fines. The feature also covers purchases of vehicle number plates, providing added convenience across a wider range of services. Policy Meant to Promote Responsibility, Not Punishment Authorities have emphasised that the move is not meant to penalise residents but rather to encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to local laws. GDRFA leadership underscored that individuals who wish to live and work in Dubai are expected to follow the country's rules and regulations. Failure to clear dues could lead to complications in the future, including difficulties when trying to exit the country. For example, individuals with fines still pending after several years might face obstacles at the time of departure, potentially being stopped at immigration checkpoints. Residents who visit GDRFA centres for visa-related services will be guided through the traffic fine settlement process. Authorities have ensured that the new approach remains resident-friendly, with the system designed to inform, assist, and offer solutions, not deny services outright. Not a New Concept, But Now More Digitally Integrated This is not the first time UAE authorities have explored the idea of linking fines with residency services. As far back as 2014, the Ministry of Interior had floated a similar initiative where traffic fines were tied to visa renewal processes. However, the current system differs by providing digital convenience, wider integration, and structured payment options, all supported by RTA's tech-driven platforms. The enhanced ease of access makes compliance far more manageable today than it may have been in previous years. As the system moves out of its pilot phase, broader implementation is expected in the coming months. Residents are advised to regularly check for any outstanding violations and resolve them early to avoid delays in their visa procedures. FAQs: Q: Do I need to pay all my traffic fines before renewing my Dubai visa? Yes, under the new system, you must clear outstanding fines before your visa can be renewed or issued. Q:Can I pay in instalments if my fines are high? Yes, you can split payments using Tabby across RTA's digital platforms. Q: Is this rule applied everywhere in Dubai? Not yet, it's in the pilot phase and doesn't apply at Dubai Airport's GDRFA centre. Q: Where can I pay my fines digitally? You can use the RTA website, app, nol Pay app, or smart kiosks for digital payments.
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Hala reports strong H1 growth driven by operational efficiency and customer focus
Ras Al Khaimah trips grow 11.3% as Hala users rise 15% Hala adds 250 vehicles in H1; 600 more planned 90% of Hala fleet now hybrid; EV trips cut 272.61 metric tons CO₂e Dubai, UAE – Hala, the region's leading e-hailing taxi service and a joint venture between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem, has reported strong performance in the first half of 2025, driven by solid growth in taxi trips, enhanced service quality, and continued progress on sustainability and operational efficiency. Growth and Performance According to Hala's operational data, trips during peak months in Dubai increased by 12%, alongside a 10% rise in active users, indicating steady and healthy demand for reliable, on-demand transportation. In Ras Al Khaimah, a similar pattern emerged, with trip volumes up 11.3% and user numbers increasing by 15%. This growth mirrors wider mobility trends across the UAE, where tourism has remained strong, domestic travel continues to rise, and residents are increasingly turning to e-hailing to complement existing transport options. As city infrastructure evolves to accommodate this momentum, Hala's ability to scale supply without compromising performance or reliability reinforces its role as a core part of the region's urban transport network. Importantly, this growth has not come at the cost-of-service quality. Customer satisfaction remained consistently high at 4.9 out of 5, backed by 98% of all rated trips being marked 'Good' or better - a direct reflection of the professionalism, courtesy, and local knowledge of Hala's captains. Even during periods of high demand, Hala maintained an average estimated time of arrival of under 3 minutes in peak areas and delivered a 93% trip fulfilment rate. Expansion & Sustainability Efforts Hala also expanded its fleet by 250 vehicles during H1, with a further 600 set to be deployed in the coming months. As part of its push toward greener mobility, the company also introduced four new electric vehicles, bringing the overall fleet composition to 90% hybrid. Trips completed by Hala EVs led to an estimated emissions reduction of 272.61 metric tons of CO₂e. By increasing the availability of low-emission vehicles, Hala is making sustainable transport choices more accessible to riders while contributing to broader environmental goals. Operational Consistency Additionally, operational performance showed clear improvements according to the data. Customer contact rates dropped by 13%, low-rated trips (1–3 stars) declined by 25%, and cancellations fell by 17%. These gains were driven by initiatives such as increased taxi supply, closer coordination with franchise partners, and customer experience enhancements, including hygiene standards and curated in-car fragrances, developed through a partnership with fragrance brand Rituals. To help maintain this level of consistency, Hala is continuously investing in Captain training. Over 2,600 new Captains were onboarded in H1 and trained across operational and service modules, while more than 6,000 existing Captains completed refresher training. The sessions focused on the overall customer experience and ride quality, which contributed directly to improved trip ratings and reduced cancellations. Commenting on the strong H1 results, Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO of Hala, said: 'We're proud of the momentum achieved in H1, but more importantly, we remain focused on continuous improvement. These results reflect our commitment to raising the bar for mobility in every city we serve. 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.' Captain Well-being 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. About Hala Hala is Dubai's most convenient e-hailing taxi solution, easily booked through the Careem app. A joint venture between Careem and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Hala leverages Careem's ride-hailing technology and the local knowledge of the RTA to provide the most reliable and convenient rides across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. With a motivation to continuously elevate customer experience in public transportation, Hala has unlocked this incredible region by keeping Dubai connected and moving. Media Contact: Tessy Mathew at Q Communications Tessy.m@
