Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that its bus fleet has reached a cumulative distance of more than 2 million km per bus, a figure it describes as a record.
The buses have been in service for 18 years without interruption, exceeding their planned lifespan. The RTA said the milestone outperforms distances recorded in other cities: buses in London have reached 1.3 million km, while those in Singapore have reached 1.4 million km.
In 2025, the fleet recorded an availability rate above 93 per cent, with a fault rate the RTA described as low when measured against benchmarks in other cities worldwide.
Dubai bus fleet achieves 2 million km milestone in 18 years: RTA
The authority attributed the result to its maintenance practices, stating that the achievement “reflects the effectiveness of preventive maintenance plans and precision maintenance practices managed with high operational efficiency, setting a benchmark regionally and globally.”
The RTA said the record is “a genuine success story that reflects RTA’s vision of developing a smart and sustainable public transport system that integrates advanced technology with operational efficiency.” It added that the result came from “sustained efforts by a dedicated professional team committed to the highest standards of quality and performance.”
The authority linked the milestone to its strategy to maximise the use of its assets and to adopt circular economy standards. Extending the lifespan of buses, it said, reduces waste from vehicle manufacturing and replacement, supporting Dubai’s targets on sustainability. It also reduces spending by deferring the need for fleet renewal.
The RTA described the milestone as “a qualitative addition to Dubai‘s distinguished track record of achievements,” adding that it “underscores its continued commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable public transport services that enhance customer happiness and support smart mobility across the emirate.”
The authority said the record reinforces Dubai’s position as a hub for transport and sustainability, and reaffirms the city’s progress “towards strengthening its position among the world’s best cities for quality of life and services.”
