Dubai RTA becomes first in Middle East to enter global bus benchmarking network
Membership enables data-driven benchmarking with leading transport authorities worldwide
DUBAI – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has joined the International Bus Benchmarking Group (IBBG), becoming the first public bus operator in the Middle East to enter the global alliance of leading bus operators and transport authorities.
The move marks another step in RTA’s transition from a regional operator to a globally connected mobility authority. It also reinforces Dubai’s growing reputation as a hub for smart and sustainable urban transport systems.
According to Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at RTA, joining the group represents a significant regional milestone that highlights Dubai’s rising role in global mobility innovation and collaboration.
Global alliance
The International Bus Benchmarking Group brings together major public transport organisations from around the world to compare operational performance, share technical expertise and identify best practices in bus network management.
By becoming a member, RTA will be able to benchmark its operations against leading international bus operators. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s wider strategy of delivering mobility services characterised by safety, reliability, efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Participation will also enable the authority to measure its operational performance using unified global standards and data-based indicators, helping to identify areas for improvement and innovation across the network.
Performance insights
The benchmarking framework adopted by the group provides members with access to comparative analytics, technical workshops, specialised forums and knowledge exchange platforms.
These resources support operational assessment through data-driven tools and structured performance evaluation methods. For RTA, this will provide insights into improving fleet utilisation, maintenance efficiency, depot productivity and lifecycle management.
Other operational areas expected to benefit include on-time performance, network reliability, passenger journey quality and energy efficiency, alongside reducing emissions and improving cost management.
Mobility goals
The benchmarking process is designed to support evidence-based decision-making while strengthening operational transparency and service performance.
RTA has been expanding its smart mobility ecosystem through digital transformation, intelligent transport systems and the gradual adoption of clean energy technologies within the public bus fleet.
Integrating insights from global benchmarking will support Dubai’s broader environmental and transport goals by improving passenger safety and comfort, enhancing service reliability and network coverage, and boosting operational efficiency through innovation.
The initiative also strengthens RTA’s international presence and places the Middle East more prominently within the global public transport benchmarking community, creating new opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange with advanced bus systems worldwide.