Transportation in Dubai is run by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The aim of the RTA is to reduce emissions and congestion from traffic and it covers everything from metros, buses and trams to marine transport services.
There are two lines within the Dubai Metro system, the red line which commenced operation in 2009 and the green line which was opened in 2011. There are currently 20 stations, the red line runs from the airport to Jebel Ali, whilst the green line starts in Rashidiya and ends in the city centre. It is likely that the metro will expand further and that there will be additional lines and stations built in the not too distant future.
Referred to as Dubai Bus, the bus system is extensive and linked with some lines in the metro system. Many of the bus stops have air conditioned shelters for those waiting during the heat of the summer months and almost all of the buses are air conditioned. A downside to the bus system is that it is not large enough to meet its demand, so waiting times can be excessive.
The Palm Monorail, opened in 2009, connects the Palm Jumeirah to the mainland. It is handy for visiting the Palm Jumeirah and so it tends to be popular among tourists. Monorail is, however, comparatively more expensive to use than most other forms of transport available in Dubai as it is privately owned, and not run by the RTA.
The Dubai Tram also links to the Dubai Metro as well as the Palm Monorail, it runs through Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road from Mall of the Emirates to Dubai Marina. The trams have been open to the public since November 2014.
Port Rashid and Port Jebel Ali are two commercial ports within Dubai, Dubai Creek and Port Saeed are used by local traders. Small boats (abra) take passengers across the Creek between stopping points, boats can even be rented for personal use. The local boats will only set you back 2 Dirhams and it's a great way to see the sights of the city from the waterways.
The Nol Card is a handy card to have when using RTA public transport. It allows you to pay for all methods of RTA transport from the Metro, Bus, Water Bus, Tram as well as for RTA’s Paid Parking and even some taxis. There are advantages to having a Nol card, other than not having to carry cash around with you, as disabled people travel free of charge on the buses and metro and national senior citizens and students benefit from 50% off.