Sharjah launches first smart Taxi in the Middle East

Sharjah Taxi has launched the first ‘smart taxi’ in the Middle East. The primary goal of the taxi is to utilise artificial intelligence services in vehicle operations and safety.

The move also aims to raise the level of services provided to the public, in accordance with the highest global standards of security and safety.

Khalid Al Kindi, executive director of Sharjah Taxi, said that the smart vehicles were equipped with sensors, cameras, a mobile data unit, and other devices connected to an integrated system, with the aim to continue developing work and control mechanisms.

“The pilot project benefits from best international practices in the field of intelligent transportation systems, which will undoubtedly contribute to increasing operational efficiency, and provide an integrated network of systems to report instant and accurate information related to transportation movement,” he said.

He also highlighted that “the intelligent transportation systems apply modern technologies in the areas of monitoring, information collection, control and means of communication, and utilise the full  carrying capacity of road networks and other means of transportation.”

He added that “the system helps regulate flow of traffic, facilitate access to key places, monitor driver behaviour, mitigate erroneous practices, and reduce meter manipulations. As a result, the number of trips and total wasted kilometres are reduced, ultimately reducing the rate of road accidents and environmental pollution,  whilst raising operational efficiency.”

Technical equipment inside the vehicle enables the collection of various data including vehicle temperature, electronic parts condition. This enables remote monitoring of the vehicle, allowing real-time interventions and appropriate actions as soon as possible. The Control and Monitoring Panel, a direct control panel that helps follow driver work and operating efficiency indicators, was set up for Sharjah Taxi’s Operations Department to take immediate appropriate action upon the occurrence of any adverse event.

This was also done to avoid any misuse of the vehicle by drivers. It contains clear, readable and diverse visuals that work together on one screen and several specialised screens. The equipment also provides a comprehensive interactive display of data, providing essential insights for quick decision-making, characterised by a coherent design and clear graphs, that help the designated employee perform their duties to the fullest.

Through the new control center, the operations of nearly 750 taxis are managed in Sharjah City, Sharjah International Airport and in the Eastern Region. It monitors drivers’ wrong practices, directs them to safe practices, educates them and ensures their commitment to work regulations.