RTA uses big data to monitor physical distancing in buses

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has set up a digital platform using Big Data, to detect any lack of compliance with the physical distancing between riders of public buses in Dubai and take enforcement measures accordingly.

The move is part of RTA’s continued efforts to enhance the implementation of precautionary measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“This platform is linked electronically with the Control Centres of Public Transport Agency. It assists the concerned personnel to take appropriate decisions whenever a breach of physical distancing instructions between onboard passengers is detected. The platform relays details of incompliant buses including the route number, percentage of incompliance detected, date and time of the journey, driver details in addition to the extent and frequency of incompliance on the part of the involved bus,” said Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems, Public Transport Agency, RTA.

“The introduction of this technology is made as part of RTA’s plans to benefit from the applications of big data in improving services and operational processes of public transport means, especially under the prevailing challenges of COVID-19. Thanks to this platform, RTA decided to deploy 18 buses to ease the congestion and assist with the compliance of physical distancing; which contributed effectively to reducing such violations,” he noted.

“The objective of this technology is to control the spread of COVID-19 in public buses in view of their publicity amongst riders and their number highlighted by the deployment of 1615 buses covering most parts of Dubai. Therefore, it was vital to use advanced technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence to ensure greater compliance with physical distancing and other preventive measures,” added Al Awadhi.