Dubai uses artificial intelligence, high-tech to improve bus services

Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), revealed that RTA’s precautionary measures and initiatives applied to the scheduling and the operation of public buses, marine transit means and taxis had accelerated the community’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

#Video:#RTA uses artificial intelligence, high-tech to improve bus services where, in cooperation with @alibaba_cloud, RTA has recently started trialling the ‘City Brain’ system to manage traffic in urban areas using artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms. pic.twitter.com/lc86mH9ruI

— RTA (@rta_dubai) July 24, 2021

He stated that such measures contributed towards restoring the growth of public transport ridership to 70 per cent of the pre-COVID levels. They also contributed towards reducing the number of kilometres travelled by 18 per cent, improving bus on-time arrival by 6 per cent and cutting carbon emissions by as much as 34 tonnes.

Advanced Algorithms

“In cooperation with Alibaba Cloud, RTA has recently started trialling the ‘City Brain’ system to manage traffic in urban areas using artificial intelligence 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. The system is expected to improve the bus ridership by 17%, average waiting time by 10%, and the journey time and the average bus usage by 5%,” stated Al Tayer.

Remote monitoring

“In cooperation with FAMCO, RTA has recently inaugurated 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, which enhances the operational and maintenance processes, includes 47 types of alerts covering mechanical aspects, fuel consumption per kilometre, and the condition of the safety equipment on board. It contributed to reducing fuel consumption by 5% and supported the planning for periodic and preventive maintenance of buses. It also resulted in an efficiency-driven assessment of drivers, improved the road safety standards, and improved the rating of customer happiness,” commented RTA’s Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors.

Al Tayer stressed that RTA would continue to roll out public transport projects and integrated infrastructure and facilities to provide smooth services to riders and promote the welfare and happiness of residents. He recalled that RTA had recently opened six public bus stations: Al Ghubaiba, Al Jafiliya, Etisalat, Union, Oud Metha and Al Satwa stations.

Completed Stations

Al Ghubaiba Bus Station is comprised of six buildings spanning an area of 2,452 square metres and can serve 15,000 riders per day. Al Jafiliya Bus Station has a bus terminal and a multi-storey building consisting of a ground floor, two floors and a rooftop for parking vehicles. The station has a total built-up area of 19,000 square meters and a capacity of 7000 riders per day. The Union Bus Station in Deira is comprised of three buildings over an area of 2,180 square meters with a capacity of 7,500 riders per day. The bus station attached to Etisalat Metro Station consists of a building of a ground floor and a mezzanine floor, with an area of 708 square meters, and a capacity of 4,500 riders per day.

Oud Metha Bus Station covers an area of 9,640 square metres and consists of a ground floor, three floors and a rooftop for car parking, and has a design compatible with the public transportation system in the area. The number of riders using the station is expected to rise in future to 10,000 riders per day. The station has 9 slots for operational buses, 11 parking spaces for standby buses, 350 car parks, and racks for 23 bikes.

Al Satwa Bus Station spans an area of 11,912 square metres and consists of a ground floor, one floor and a rooftop for car parking. Currently, the station can accommodate 7,800 riders per day, and the number is expected to exceed 15,000 riders per day. The station has 15 slots for operational buses, 14 slots for standby buses, 227 car parks in addition to various facilities for providing integrated passenger services.