The UAE is planning an extensive network of bus priority lanes in Dubai to improve public transport usage and increase punctuality.

An official of the Public Transport Agency (PTA) at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority said private vehicles that stray into these bus-priority lanes could face fines.

He also said the agency aims to increase the punctuality level of Dubai’s buses from 61.8% in June to 75% by December this year.

The transport authority is currently evaluating the first phase of the scheme to study its benefits for public transport users, according to gulfnews.com.

The PTA uses GPS-based tracking technology to monitor bus punctuality in the emirate, according to gulfnews.com.