Smart traffic tech helps cut Dubai journey times by 20%, says RTA

Dubai’s Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) technology, which covers 60 per cent of the emirate’s road network, has helped reduce travel times by up to 20 per cent.

This is according to a statement from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which says that there is a plan to roll out ITS across its entire 710 km road network by 2026.

The ITS targets improving traffic flow in Dubai, and it consists of a total of 311 surveillance cameras, 227 incident monitoring and vehicle counting devices, and 112 Variable Message Signs (VMS) that relay real time information about road conditions. The first phase implementation of the system has further involved fitting 115 travel time and speed measurement devices, and the setting up of 17 weather sensor stations.

The system is powered by 660 km of electric power lines and an 820 km fibre optic network.

“The project has improved incident monitoring by 63 per cent, reduced response times by 30 percent, enhanced traffic flow, increased traffic management efficiency, and reduced journey times by 20 per cent through Variable Message Signs (VMS). These results were facilitated by using VMS, enhanced linkage and integration with the Enterprise Command and Control Centre and the Dubai Police General HQ,” said Mattar Al Tayer, who is director general and chairman of the RTA.

The RTA manages this system via its ITS Centre in Al Barsha, Dubai.

This centre further relies on artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced communication systems, and various monitoring devices. The centre also maintains a full connection to the traffic lights control system in Dubai and even features an advanced traffic control system dubbed “iTraffic,” which uses AI and data analysis to support decision-making.

Study commissioned into second phase

As part of rolling out the system across the emirate’s full road network, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has commissioned the RTA to carry out a Phase II study on expanding the scope of the ITS.

The move is intended to support Dubai’s efforts to become the smartest city in the world, reads a statement on the Dubai Media Office.

The second phase of the project is expected to use the latest intelligent technologies and software, such as the Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS).