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As 2025 begins to unfold, it is already proving to be a groundbreaking year for sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives, aligning with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy. Keeping pace with the trend, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has unveiled a revolutionary new project in the Emirate—the Rail Bus.
Curious to know the meaning of a train bus and how the new Dubai rail bus differs from other modes of transportation currently available in the city? Let’s find out!
What is a Rail Bus?
A rail bus is a lightweight vehicle designed for passenger transport on railway tracks. This advanced system offers a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and sustainable way to get around.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Reviews the New Dubai Rail Bus
RTA announced that those interested in the new public transport system can view a prototype at the World Government Summit 2025, currently taking place in Madinat Jumeirah. The summit, which will continue on Thursday, February 13, features the new Dubai Rail Bus as part of a demonstration for innovation shaping the cities of the future.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also explored the new bus at the summit. He was accompanied by H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE.
The RTA’s new rail bus prototype displayed at the World Government Summit boasts two rows with vibrant orange seats. Passenger safety instructions are displayed on both sides of the bus, with control panels positioned at each end of the carriage for operational efficiency.
Insights on RTA’s Upcoming Rail Bus in Dubai
RTA unveiled the new rail bus project via a post on X (formerly Twitter). In January 2024, RTA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rail Bus Inc. (USA) at the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) to develop this cost-effective transport system.
Measuring 2.9 meters in height and 11.5 meters in length, the new mode of transport will be fully powered by solar energy. Designed to run autonomously at speeds of up to 100 km/h, it will operate on elevated tracks planned for construction across the city.
With a sleek gold and black exterior, the Rail Bus is designed for frequent and flexible routing, ensuring seamless integration with Dubai’s public transport network. Each carriage of RTA’s upcoming Rail Bus in Dubai will accommodate 40 passengers, featuring 22 seats.
Overhead screens will provide real-time journey updates, including upcoming stops, weather conditions, and time. There will also be dedicated spaces for differently-abled passengers, enhancing accessibility.
With its lightweight, scalable 3D-printed structure, the Rail Bus minimizes environmental impact while maximizing efficiency, setting a new standard for sustainable urban mobility in Dubai.
RTA Pioneering the Future of Urban Mobility in Dubai
RTA also signed a MoU with Urban-Mass Company (UK) to explore the Floc Duo Rail system—a double-track driverless transit system designed to enhance urban mobility.
The system autonomously adjusts capacity based on demand—using shorter units during off-peak hours and longer units during peak periods—ensuring efficient urban transportation.
Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, CEO of the RTA’s Rail Agency, emphasized the significance of these initiatives, stating,
“These agreements align with RTA’s strategic vision of engaging with leading industry experts to integrate the most advanced transportation solutions into Dubai’s infrastructure.”
Speaking on the second project, Kalbat added,
“The solar-powered bridge ensures continuous operation while significantly reducing costs compared to similar transit solutions. Its sleek, modern design reinforces Dubai’s commitment to eco-friendly urban mobility.”
Hatim Ibrahim, CEO of Rail Bus Inc., praised the collaboration with RTA, calling it a milestone in sustainable transportation tailored to Dubai’s evolving needs. He noted that the partnership between Rail Bus Inc. and RTA is a step toward revolutionizing urban mobility through state-of-the-art, environmentally conscious solutions.
Dubai Rail Bus: Shaping the Future of Smart Transport
RTA’s new rail bus project aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s smartest city and supports key national strategies, including the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, Dubai’s Zero-Emissions Public Transport Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2030, which aims to automate 25% of daily trips.
It underscores Dubai’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and smart city development, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in modern transportation.
According to the RTA, the bus is expected to be 20 to 30 per cent more cost-efficient than similar transport systems. The authority plans to carry out technical studies on the system over the next two years. Following this, they will determine the optimal locations for pilot operations.
FAQs
The official launch date is yet to be announced.
Each carriage of the Rail Bus can accommodate up to 40 passengers, with 22 dedicated seats. It also features dedicated spaces for disabled passengers, ensuring accessibility for all.
The RTA is developing the Rail Bus in collaboration with Rail Bus Inc. (USA) as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2024 at the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF).
The UAE is revolutionizing its transportation infrastructure with several advanced projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and sustainability. The Etihad Rail network is one of the region’s most ambitious transportation projects, spanning 1,200 km to connect all seven emirates.
Another groundbreaking project is the Hyperloop, a high-speed transport system that could reduce travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 12 minutes.
Other upcoming transportation projects include autonomous vehicles, flying taxis, Sky Pods, electric abras, and a driverless pod rail system.
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