Dubai automates public transport management

Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is keen on using cutting-edge technology to control and manage the movement of its mass transit systems, including buses. With the aim of providing advanced services to mass transit users in the Emirate, the Public Transport Agency implemented integrated intelligent systems solutions including the Automated Vehicle Management (AVM) system, which links both the internal and inter-city routes. According to Adel Shakeri, Director of Transportation Systems, RTA Public
October 17, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
6700 Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is keen on using cutting-edge technology to control and manage the movement of its mass transit systems, including buses. With the aim of providing advanced services to mass transit users in the Emirate, the Public Transport Agency implemented integrated intelligent systems solutions including the Automated Vehicle Management (AVM) system, which links both the internal and inter-city routes.

According to Adel Shakeri, Director of Transportation Systems, RTA Public Transport Agency, the AVM system monitors the efficiency and performance of public buses in operation deployed on internal routes in Dubai, as well as those linking Dubai with other Emirates, and monitors their movement via sophisticated satellite-linked navigational systems connected with the bus control centre which is running 24/7 to provide full support to buses.

Each bus is being tracked to verify its on-time operation; drivers receive text messages to inform them of their schedule. The system offers three communication channels with the driver: voice communication, text messages and emergency contact. The system makes it easier for the driver as the driver’s monitor displays the scheduled route. The system also plays a crucial role in interfacing with other systems such as Nol Card system, and the real time passenger information (RTPI) system featuring 114 monitors deployed in the metro stations, public bus stations and several locations around Dubai.

Shakeri added, “The AVM system plays a pivotal role in transforming the planned trips timetables into realistic schedules meeting the needs of public bus commuters. Statistics recorded by the system for the period 2009 -2011 indicate that bus adherence to timetables rocketed from 16 per cent to 80.5 per cent, and the number of cancelled trips plummeted from 13 per cent to 0.8 per cent, which resulted in a drastic fall in the number of complaints filed by customers from 500 to only four complaints per month. It also contributed to reducing the number of kilometers done by 4 million km per month; which resulted in a reduction in environmental pollution in Dubai.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • The inside story of how traffic chaos was avoided after I-95 collapse
    August 23, 2023
    June’s collapse of major US roadway I-95 in Pennsylvania could have caused lengthy traffic chaos. But - relatively speaking at least - it didn’t and gridlock was avoided. Alan Dron finds out why
    Read More
  • Running on empty
    May 2, 2018
    Drivers are an increasingly rare species on Europe’s commuter metros as unattended train operation is embraced. David Crawford takes a low-speed tour of the continent’s capitals to see what’s happening. Unattended train operation (UTO) is fast becoming the norm for Europe’s metros, on existing as well as new lines. November 2017 statistics published by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) show the continent as having 28% of the global total of route km on lines operating at the ultimate
    Read More
  • Report analyses multiple ITS projects to highlight cost and benefits
    March 16, 2015
    Every year in America cost benefit analysis is carried out on dozens of ITS installations and pilot studies and the findings, along with the lessons learned, are entered into the Department of Transportation’s (USDOT’s) web-based ITS Knowledge Resources database. This database holds more than 1,600 reports and periodically the USDOT reviews the material on file to draw conclusions from this wider body of evidence. It has just published one such review ITS Benefits, Costs, and Lessons Learned: 2014 Update Re
    Read More
  • Dubai stays in The Loop
    February 20, 2023
    93km-long 'sustainable urban highway' aims to connect active travel and public transport
    Read More

Highlighted Content