The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has taken several precautionary steps and initiatives to schedule and operate public buses, marine transit means, and taxis, thus ensuring accelerated recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, a government official said.
Mr. Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA stated that the measures taken by RTA have contributed to restoring the growth of public transport ridership to 70 percent of the pre-pandemic levels and it helped to reduce the number of kilometers traveled by 18 percent, improving the bus on-time arrival by six percent, and cutting carbon emissions by 34 metric tonnes.
Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer Director-General Chairman-Board of Executive Directors RTA
“In cooperation with Alibaba Cloud, the RTA has recently started trialing the “City Brain” system to manage traffic in urban areas using artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced algorithms. The system analysis a massive number of big data received from nol cards, operating buses and taxis as well as the Enterprise Command and Control Centre. Then it converts the data into useful information that could be used in sending instant notifications and improving bus schedules and routes.”
By partnering with Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO), RTA has recently opened a remote Bus Performance Monitoring Centre Al Quoz Bus Depot, for instant tracking and monitoring the performance efficiency of RTA’s new 516 Volvo buses fitted with Telematics system.
The system improves the operational and maintenance processes and it includes 47 types of alerts covering mechanical aspects, fuel consumption per kilometer, and the condition of the safety equipment on board. The system has contributed in reducing fuel consumption by five percent and supported the planning for periodic and preventive maintenance of buses.
Mr. Al Tayer stressed that RTA would continue to launch public transport projects and integrated infrastructure and facilities in the future. The Authority has recently opened six public bus stations at Al Ghubaiba, Al Jafiliya, Etisalat, Union, Oud Metha and Al Satwa stations.
