Dubai’s RTA implements new AI projects to improve bus services

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started using two new artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives – a traffic management system, and a remote tracking and monitoring system.

In coordination with Alibaba Cloud, RTA is trialling the traffic management system ‘City Brain’ which receives big data received from nol cards, operating buses and taxis. The data is then converted to information that could be used to send notifications and improve bus schedules and routes. The system is expected to improve transit conditions, increase bus ridership by 17 per cent and reduce average waiting time by 10 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Bus Performance Monitoring Centre at Al Quoz Bus Depot is a remote performance monitoring system implemented in RTA’s new 516 Volvo buses. The algorithm includes 47 types of alerts covering mechanical aspects, fuel consumption per kilometre, and the condition of the safety equipment on board. Launched in partnership with Al Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (FAMCO), the system will also aid in the periodic maintenance of buses, optimise fuel consumption and enhance customer happiness ratings.

Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, director-general, chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA has stated that they would continue to roll out public transport projects to increase service efficiency and promote welfare.

RTA also recently opened six public bus stations: Al Ghubaiba, Al Jafiliya, Etisalat, Union, Oud Metha and Al Satwa.

The Oud Metha bus station, which opened in June, consists of a multi-storey building with rooftop car parking spanning an area of 9,640 square metres.

Read: Video: RTA opens state-of-the-art bus station in Dubai’s Oud Metha

In January, RTA completed the construction of Al Jaffiliya, Etisalat and Union public bus stations at Al Jaffiliya, Al Qusais and Deira respectively. The Al Jaffiliya station has six slots for buses in addition to a parking space for 503 vehicles and a docking station for 30 bikes.

The Union Bus Station at Deira offers facilities such as office space, customers service lounge, 14 bus slots, 46 parking and racks for 20 bikes. This bus station is linked with Etisalat Metro Station on the Green Line of Dubai Metro.

Read: Dubai’s RTA completes construction of bus stations at Al Jaffiliya, Al Qusais and Deira

In October 2020, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council inaugurated a set of new generation public bus stations. This initiative was launched to improve bus services for Expo 2020 visitors.

Read: Sheikh Hamdan inaugurates new generation of bus stations in Dubai