RTA agencies display diverse e-services at GITEX 2007

RTA participation will feature a package of e-services designed for various clients of the RTA, including passengers and customers of all RTA Agencies. The range of services displayed includes customer support services in addition to traffic, roads, rail, marine transport and other vital services. Through offering such services RTA aims at achieving integration between various transport modes with a view to provide smooth, safe & sustainable transport system, in line with the vision of the RTA to provide 'safe & smooth transport for all'.

Speaking on the projects, initiatives & services to be highlighted in the exhibition, Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, Director of RTA Marketing & Corporate Communication Dep't stated that in view of the importance of this annual event, it will be a nice opportunity to showcase our e-services in line with the development witnessed by Dubai in all fields, including electronic field sponsored and fostered by Dubai E-Government. The aim is to deliver all services in a transparent and speedy manner.

Among the services to be promoted in the expo is the Intelligent Traffic Systems; which includes 24 highly sophisticated electronic display boards modeled after the highest standards & technologies. Such systems are used for the first time in the world and cover the roads of Sh. Zayed, Al Khaleej, Emirates, Sheikh Rahsid, Abu Bakr Al Siddique, Al Ittihad, Al Mina, and Bani Yas, in addition to Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, and Al Shandaga Tunnel.

The system computes the volume of traffic congestion in key and express roads, detects abnormality in traffic flow (such as traffic accidents & vehicle breakdowns on roads), and detects congestion resulting from heavy traffic. The system provided statistics of trip time over these roads after analyzing inputs received from systems installed at sites; which include 500 sensors & radars to compute traffic density & the number of vehicles, 60 mobile traffic surveillance cameras, and 30 cameras used to analyze the images automatically captured in the process of tracking traffic flow, and analyze them such as traffic accidents or faulty vehicles.

The system also includes 96 panels used in controlling lanes through alerting motorists of the condition of the road well in advance, particularly in detours & highways. In the event of any surprise congestion, motorists will be directed to use other alternative routes to avoid congestion.

The system gives priority to emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire & rescue services) at the congested intersections. It manages to switch to the Green Signal through sensors fitted at the intersection poles & transmitters mounted on emergency vehicles operated only in emergency cases.

The range of services offered also includes Toll Gates System, known as 'Salik', which has been operational since the beginning of July 2007. It is an advanced electronic system aiming at minimizing traffic bottlenecks and ensuring smooth traffic flow at key roads in Dubai using Radio-Frequency Identification technology (RFID). Vehicles will be identified through a tag affixed at the front windshield of the vehicle so that the specified toll will be deducted (Dh4/-) at every occasion of passing through the designated Toll Gates.

In cooperation with Emirates Telecommunications Company (Etisalat) & Orbit Computer Systems, Traffic & Roads Agency will also launch a new service on a trial basis known as 'mParking'. Through this service, a new mechanism of paying parking fees by means of mobile phones of Etisalat subscribers is provided. Motorists will find it easier to use this service effectively and smoothly as it doesn't require making any specific subscription.

All Etisalat clientele will be able to avail this service through sending an SMS to a certain number, quoting the number plate of the vehicle, zone number and number of parking hours. The user will soon receive a text message confirming payment processed for parking the vehicle up to the requested time. As the expiry time approaches, the user will receive a reminding text message that the parking time is about to expire. Should the user wishes to expand the parking time for more than one hour, he (or she) has only to send an SMS stating the number of parking hours to be added. If the user wishes to add only one hour, he (or she) has to send an SMS inserting asterisk sign (*) and one hour will instantly be added to the parking time.

'In view of the increasing numbers and diversified types of public buses (such as standard buses, articulated buses, and double-deck buses), Public Transport Agency is considering at the same time launching a diverse package of e-services. Such services include automatic monitoring & tracking of bus operation (AVM) in addition to launching wireless internet service & integrated e-dialogue system on board the new buses. The Agency will also promote the Dynamic Integrated Navigation System, known as Dalili, which could be programmed & mounted in any vehicle' said Dr. Aysha.

She elaborated that the RTA is keen to participate with a presentation about Dubai Metro, which is considered the longest driverless metro line in the world and is the first of its kind in the region. In display there will be a touch-screen system, which will be fitted in each metro station. The system is an electronic time planner enabling passengers to know the transit time of trips to various destinations in Dubai. Other highly sophisticated e-services will also be displayed, such as wireless communication over the internet provided on board metro carriages.

Among the other e-services to be displayed in the stand of the RTA at GITEX 2007, are the services provided by Marine Agency, such as trip planner of the water bus, and the sophisticated ticket-selling system.

RTA Customer Service Centers Dep't has recently launched an electronic system to measure satisfaction of customers & clients of various RTA Agencies, with the services provided. The system aims at inducing RTA customers to express their opinions; a matter which will result in constructive feedbacks that will contribute to delivering better service to all. All individuals will feel a sense of responsibility. It reflects respect to the other opinion; which in many cases will trigger new concepts that will upgrade the advancement and achievements of Authorities & Agencies. 25 customer satisfaction measuring systems have been installed; where the customer can comment on the service in one minute while submitting the application. The Dep't then compiles regular reports on weekly basis to establish the results and identify the performance of each employee separately. This will assist in upgrading the level of services offered in cooperation with RTA Licensing Dep't.

Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, Director of RTA Marketing & Corporate Communication Dep't, concluded her statement by saying that the RTA assigns significant attention to its website and seeks to develop & updates its contents through Marketing & Corporate Communication Dep't and in cooperation with IT Dep't. The aim is to upload the services provided by the RTA and all its affiliated Agencies to the public, so that it will keep pace with the massive development witnessed by the UAE in all fields, including electronic applications & IT, which are among key indicators underscoring the progress made in all sectors, including services sector.