RTA's new tool detects physical distancing violations on Dubai buses

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Dubai - The platform, which uses 'big data', is linked electronically with the control centres of the Public Transport Agency.

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A Staff Reporter

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Published: Mon 27 Jul 2020, 1:54 PM

A new smart platform is now being used to monitor physical distancing on public buses in Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Sunday. So next time you board a bus, pay attention to the social distancing guides and stick to them. 
The platform, which uses 'big data', is linked electronically with the control centres of the Public Transport Agency, explained Khaled Al Awadhi, director of transportation systems at the RTA agency. It helps the assigned personnel take action whenever it detects bus passengers who are seated or standing too close to each other.
Big data is a term used to describe large data sets that are analysed to reveal patterns, trends, behaviour and interactions.
"The platform relays details of non-compliant buses, including the route number, percentage of non-compliance detected, date and time of the journey, driver details in addition to the extent and frequency of non-compliance on the part of the involved bus," Al Awadhi said. 
This new big data tool is part of the RTA's innovative solutions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 on public buses, considering that these are among the primary modes of transport in the city, he added. Up to 1,615 buses are currently serving commuters across the emirate.  
The platform is also part of the authority's plans to maximise the benefits of big data in improving public transport, the RTA official said.
"Thanks to this platform, the RTA decided to deploy 18 buses to ease congestion and assist in the compliance of physical distancing, which contributed effectively to reducing such violations," Al Awadhi added. 
reporters@khaleejtimes.com


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