More passengers per car could help reduce congestion, suggests a survey

Al Etihad

17-07-2025

17 July 2025 09:52
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI) More than half of car users in Abu Dhabi drive alone, a trend that could be contributing to the persistent traffic congestion reported across the emirates, according to a new survey conducted by RoadSafetyUAE in partnership with Al Wathba Insurance.The study, based on responses from 1,021 UAE residents in June 2025, found that 51% of Abu Dhabi motorists travel without any passengers. The figure is slightly higher for the UAE overall, at 54%, with Sharjah recording the highest solo-driver rate at 62%, followed by other emirates at 56%, and Dubai at 53%.Conversely, only 22% of car users in Abu Dhabi typically travel with one other passenger. This number varies across the country, reaching 25% in Dubai, 18% in other emirates, and a notably low 12% in Sharjah. The proportion of vehicles carrying a driver plus two passengers ranges between 15% and 17% across the board.The findings highlight a clear opportunity for increasing car occupancy as a means to ease congestion. In Dubai, 43% of car users reported travelling with one or more passengers, the highest rate among all emirates. This compares to 39% in Abu Dhabi, 33% in other emirates, and just 28% in Sharjah.'Especially considering the high number of motorists travelling alone in their cars without passengers, we need to find ways to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads,' said Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE. 'From a road safety perspective, traffic congestion should be avoided. They trigger high levels of stress and frustration and can cause misbehaviour which carries the risk of accidents. We must raise awareness for polite and caring manners on the road.'The report suggests that legal carpooling could be a viable strategy to reduce the volume of vehicles. Encouraging people heading to the same destination to travel together in a single vehicle could significantly reduce congestion, although this could bring regulatory and logistical challenges.When asked about carpooling services in the UAE, Thomas Edelmann, Founder of RoadSafetyUAE, told Aletihad that shared services are permitted in Dubai only through RTA-approved platforms or apps such as Sharekni. 'While many see it as a way to save money and reduce traffic, the RTA strictly regulates carpooling to ensure safety and to prevent unauthorised taxi services. Unlicensed carpooling can result in fines,' he explained.Edelmann also pointed out that the RTA offers app-based bus pooling services such as Citylink Shuttle, DrivenBus, and Fluxx Daily, providing an alternative form of shared transportation.He added that while carpooling could offer benefits, it also carries risks. 'Carpooling is considered cautiously, as it might lead to the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed taxis, which would defeat the purpose and spirit behind regulated shared mobility initiatives,' Edelmann said.Muralikrishnan Raman, Chief Financial Officer of Al Wathba Insurance, said the study aimed to better understand motorists' concerns and travel patterns. 'We want to give the concerned traffic participants a voice. As one of the leading motor insurers in the UAE, we are committed to staying relevant to the evolving needs of our customers and improving their daily lives. That's why we teamed up with RoadSafetyUAE on this important research project,' he said.The broader survey also shed light on the emotional and behavioural dimensions of road use in the UAE. A significant 47% of respondents reported feeling frustrated, stressed, or anxious when caught in traffic jams—highlighting the mental toll of daily congestion. More concerningly, 82% of motorists said they very often or sometimes witnessed rude or aggressive driving behaviour during such conditions, including tailgating, sudden lane changes, or verbal confrontations. The findings underscore the need for not just infrastructure solutions, but also public awareness campaigns to encourage courteous and patient driving habits.
Meanwhile, the study reaffirmed the UAE's deep reliance on private transport, with 92% of respondents saying they depend on road transport daily, and 60% relying specifically on their own vehicles. These patterns further emphasise the urgency of exploring alternatives such as carpooling and improved public transport to ease road pressure and enhance commuter well-being.