Dubai teases introduction of ‘Railbus’ system to ease traffic

Vehicle designed to travel at 100kph and carry 40 passengers at a time

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority hopes the Railbus will alleviate traffic congestion when it is introduced. Photo: RTA / X

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority on Monday revealed early plans for a “Railbus” system for the city.

The capsule-like vehicles, 11.5 metres in length and 2.65 metres wide, have a top speed of 100 kph and can hold 40 passengers.

A launch date was not given for the project, but more details are set to be released at the World Governments Summit this week, the authority said on X.

The vehicles are lightweight and highly flexible, which significantly reduces the cost of maintaining infrastructure, according to the Railbus website.

Later on Monday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was joined by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, in reviewing the Railbus prototype while visiting the RTA’s stand at the World Governments Summit.

Here, Sheikh Mohammed received a briefing from Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the RTA, state news agency Wam reported.

“Railbus is solar-powered, highly efficient, and cost-effective, integrating with Dubai’s public transport network. It also enhances first and last-mile connectivity, ensuring safe, smooth, and sustainable travel for residents and visitors in urban areas,” Mr Al Tayer said. “Railbus carriages have been designed and manufactured using cutting-edge, sustainability-focused technologies. They incorporate high-efficiency components and systems, ensuring maximum safety while reducing energy and maintenance costs.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was joined by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, to review the Railbus with Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the RTA. Photo: Wam

A transforming city

It is the latest in a series of recent announcements to help ease the pressure on Dubai’s road network, with plans released in June setting out to double the number of Metro and tram stations by 2040.

Dubai has 55 Metro stations – 35 on the red line and 20 on the green line – as well as 11 tram stops. This number is to be increased to 96 stations spanning 140km by 2030, according to Dubai Media Office.

Set to transform the north-east of the city, a Dh18 billion ($4.9 billion) project is under way to add a blue line to the Metro system, which will feature 14 stations and add 30km to the Metro network, more than half of it underground.

Under plans laid out by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, several car-free zones are to be established across the city.