Connect with us

News

RTA Installs Automated Passenger Counting Systems On New Buses

Published

on

RTA Installs Automated Passenger Counting Systems On New Buses

RTA Installs Automated Passenger Counting Systems On New Buses. Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is taking significant strides to enhance its public transportation system by rolling out new buses equipped with Automated Passenger Counting (APC) systems. This initiative aims to curb fare evasion and improve overall service efficiency. Here’s a detailed look at what this means for commuters and the impact on Dubai’s public transportation network.

What Is The Automated Passenger Counting (APC) System?

The APC system is a technological advancement designed to record the actual number of passengers boarding and alighting from buses. This data is crucial as it is compared against the automated fare collection system to ensure that fare payments match the number of passengers using the service. By doing so, the RTA aims to address issues of fare evasion and enhance the accuracy of fare collection.

The Current Situation: Fare Evasion And Inspection Findings

At present, passengers are expected to tap their Nol cards upon boarding and exiting the bus. However, fare evasion has been an issue, with some passengers bypassing this process. To address this, the RTA has conducted inspections to identify and penalize fare dodgers. In a recent six-day inspection conducted in April, 1,193 commuters were found evading bus fares and were fined Dh200 each.

New Bus Fleet Equipped with APC Systems

To combat fare evasion and improve operational efficiency, the RTA is installing APC systems in a fleet of 636 new buses. This includes:

  • 40 Electric Buses: These eco-friendly buses represent a commitment to sustainability.
  • 146 Articulated and Double-Decker Buses: Designed for high-density areas, these buses can carry more passengers.
  • 450 City Service Buses: Serving various routes within the city, these buses will also be equipped with the APC system.

The APC system will monitor and count passengers as they board and exit, providing real-time data that will help the RTA compare actual passenger numbers with fare payments.

Additional Features For Enhanced Safety And Efficiency

In addition to the APC systems, most of the new buses will feature Raqeeb, a driver behavior monitoring system. Raqeeb will track driver performance and authenticate driver identity, contributing to improved passenger safety and better driver conduct. These features are designed to enhance the overall travel experience for commuters.

Benefits Of The APC System

The introduction of the APC system will offer several benefits:

  • Accurate Passenger Data: By monitoring and recording passenger numbers, the RTA will gain a clearer understanding of passenger demand.
  • Optimized Bus Deployment: With real-time data, the RTA can better plan and deploy buses to meet passenger needs efficiently.
  • Reduced Fare Evasion: The system’s ability to cross-check fare payments against passenger numbers will help reduce fare evasion and ensure that revenue is accurately collected.

Conclusion

Dubai’s RTA is making significant improvements to its public transportation system with the installation of Automated Passenger Counting systems on new buses. This initiative not only aims to curb fare evasion but also enhances safety and operational efficiency. By equipping the new fleet with advanced technologies like APC and Raqeeb, the RTA is setting a new standard for public transport in Dubai, ultimately benefiting both the commuters and the city’s transportation infrastructure.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending