Dubai the first MENA city entered in Google Maps - RTA

The new feature enables public bus users, including residents, visitors and tourists in the emirate, to plan their daily travels in advance through this technology; which is easy to use and accessible to all internet users 24 hours a day.

A statement to this effect was made in a recent bilateral meeting during which an agreement was signed between the RTA and Google. The agreement was signed for RTA by the CEO of Corporate Technical Support Services Sector Abdullah Al Madani and for Google Co. by the Regional Product & Marketing Manager Wael Ghonim. Following the signing of the agreement, Dubai public transport map was entered in Google Map website to overlay routes of public transport network information in full coordination with RTA Public Transport Agency.

"The initiative of uploading various transport information on Google Maps is a co-service intended to enhance "Journey Planner" initiative know, as "Wojhati" launched by Public Transport Agency in the first quarter of this year. The new initiative will definitely enable a large portion of potential users across the globe to gain access to the public transport network in the emirate of Dubai"

said Al Madani.

"This technology aims at assisting public transport users in Dubai in establishing the optimum mobility method, and enlists the available public bus routes options depending on the starting point, destinations and travel times. The service also enables both residents & visitors to inquire about the timing of bus schedules and routes through checking them on Google Maps. In this sense, Dubai becomes one of more than 50 cosmopolitan cities to use this technology such as London, Paris, New York, and Zurich with sophisticated public transport networks across the globe.

"Whether the user wishes to book an hotel or restaurant, he or she can activate the display of transportation charts on Google Maps to know the nearest bus route. This service also enables the user to move between destinations on Google Maps website, or search a particular destination; where the service will identify and display the best travel means together with bus routes & schedules in a smooth format" added Al Madani in a final remark.

For his part Wael Ghonim, Google's Regional Product & Marketing Manager said: "Uploading Dubai transport network is the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. We are extremely happy to see Google Maps used in a way that provides useful information for users in the emirate of Dubai. Displaying the transit details on Google Maps reflects our vision to offer users the information that help them in their daily life. The ability to track the best route for your daily travels over the PC or mobile phone is a priceless tool for users all over the emirate of Dubai".