emirates7 - The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in collaboration with the private sector, has announced the launch of the "Abu Dhabi Express" bus service in new areas in the emirate of Abu Dhabi to handle the ever-increasing passenger demand for the service since its launch in March 2022.

The project’s first phase included 38 buses from the private sector, which moved more than 70,000 passengers throughout 14, 500 trips since it was launched.

The ITC announced that it would implement Phase II on 30th June, 2022, by expanding the scope of the service. It would add a new route between Abu Dhabi city to the taxi station in Baniyas, and Al Mafraq Workers City to Abu Dhabi city, in addition to routes between Abu Dhabi and Al Mirfa City and Zayed City, in the Al Dhafra region. The Lifeline Hospital bus stop in Abu Dhabi city has also been added to the network.

The service expansion is due to the cooperation between the ITC and several private sector companies based on the former’s role in regulating public transport operations across the emirate. It enables diversification of services, providing faster transport options on public buses, facilitating community mobility and allowing passengers to reach their destinations in comfort and in the shortest time. Furthermore, the service is meant to reinforce the public bus transport network in increasing its capacity, diversifying transport options for different segments of society, and achieving integration between various bus transport methods.

The service operates on the new routes seven days a week with a time schedule that depends on the volume of demand to meet the needs of passengers seeking to benefit from the service. Abu Dhabi Express buses are direct, non-stop services, making their routes the fastest way to travel quickly, comfortably and safely.

To enhance the aesthetic appearance of bus stations and add new artistic features, the ITC also announced that it has re-styled the minibus station adjacent to Abu Dhabi’s main bus terminal, which was previously the taxi station, with artwork and beautiful colours.

Meanwhile, the ITC confirmed that the improvements to the public bus transport network align with its efforts to enhance the interconnection between bus network routes.