RTA to monitor bus drivers' fatigue

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has started a trial run for fitting 50 public buses with a smart system aimed at monitoring the physical condition of bus drivers and the exertion and fatigue, which they may experience during journeys within Dubai or during inter-city trips.

RTA appreciates that physical exertions might result in accidents, which will expose the safety of riders to risks, besides having a direct impact on the operational efficiency of buses in terms of on-time arrival of journeys. The move is taken in line with the smart city initiative launched by the Government of Dubai.

Dr. Yousef Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said: “The trial run of this smart system involves fitting a sophisticated device in front of the bus driver to monitor any indicators of fatigue, tiredness or illness suffered by the driver through technological indicators that are transmitted to the Control Room at the RTA where the case will be immediately responded to. There is also another smart system that monitors the driving pattern of the driver in terms of exceeding the speed limit, disregard to safe driving principles, and irresponsible use of brakes, sudden swerving, and using the mobile phone during driving among others.

“The two systems are being experimented on standard buses, articulated buses and double-deck buses covering Dubai city service or inter-city service. According to the results, a plan will be set up to implement the system in our bus fleet comprising more than 1500 buses operated by more than 3 thousand drivers. RTA is doing everything possible to support the public transport systems, especially buses, which are used by a large proportion of public transport riders,” added Al Ali.

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