Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the official opening of the Mall of the Emirates Smart Bus Station.
Marking the city’s first smart bus station; the new facility aims to mark a significant milestone on RTA’s journey towards the development of an integrated public transport network powered by digital technologies and smart solutions.
The station delivers all customer services through 24/7 interactive and proactive digital services, an approach which aims to reduce waiting times and deliver a seamless customer journey. Currently, it serves 11 bus routes and is provides a direct connection to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.
RTA has stated that it intends to scale up this model in future, further integrating Dubai’s public transport network and providing smart, sustainable mobility solutions in line with projected ambitions.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said:At RTA, we are committed to enhancing customer service by harnessing the latest digital technologies and smart solutions to deliver the highest levels of comfort and efficiency for users, while strengthening the appeal of the public transport network. Adopting this integrated digital model raises operational efficiency and delivers higher levels of customer satisfaction.
The station also incorporates advanced systems for crowd management and violation detection through AI-powered cameras, further enhancing safety and ensuring a smoother user experience.
Covering 147 square metres; the station is capable of accommodating up to 20 customers at any one time. It includes a dedicated rest area for drivers, a well as a wide range of advanced digital systems and services led by the primary real-time information display, which provides maps of station facilities and displays arrival times across different transport modes.
This display is directly integrated with the Dubai Metro, and offers customers an opportunity to view instant information regarding train arrival times and taxi services, such as stand locations and availability.
Elsewhere, the station features a smart kiosk that provides digital customer services, including a virtual assistant for journey planning and responding to customer enquiries, as well as Lost and Found services and direct access to the Call Centre. It also utilises an additional dedicated display showing real-time bus arrival information, along with occupancy levels on upcoming buses.
The station has been fitted with modern devices for ticket purchases and digital top-ups, as well as a smart vending machine. For safety and operations management, the station is equipped with AI-powered cameras that enable both accurate crowd monitoring and violation detection, supporting operations teams with real-time analytical data that aims to strengthen management efficiency and support decision-making.
Developed in line with international sustainability standards; solar panels have been fitted to generate power, alongside smart sensors to monitor air quality.
Now up and running; the Mall of the Emirates Smart Bus Station serves 11 bus routes, including 6 Dubai Metro feeder routes, 3 internal routes and 2 seasonal routes. The station connects multiple residential, commercial and tourist areas, most notably Al Barsha, Umm Suqeim, Al Sufouh, Al Manara, Al Quoz, Al Ghubaiba, The Greens, Jumeirah Village Circle, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Science Park and Dubai Studio City, as well as major tourist destinations such as Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village.
