Dubai's RTA launches AI-powered system to manage Dubai bus operations
New platform monitors more than 1,100 buses and cuts operational decision-making time to under one minute
Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched an artificial intelligence-powered system to manage and operate buses across various operational scenarios, enhancing flexibility, responsiveness and the efficiency of Dubai’s public transport network.
The system monitors more than 1,100 buses and supports 26 operational scenarios, enabling faster responses to operational changes and improving integration with other public transport modes, including the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram.
The initiative underscores the RTA’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency, flexibility and sustainability of public transport services, in line with Dubai’s smart city ambitions and efforts to provide proactive, customer-centric services.
Faster decision-making
Marwan Al Zarouni, Director of Bus Management at the Public Transport Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority, said the decision-support system was developed by the Public Transport Agency through the Bus Operations Control Centre in cooperation with the Artificial Intelligence Centre within Corporate Technical Support Services.
He said: “The decision-support system relies on advanced technologies that enable it to reduce the time required for decision-making and bus allocation from 30 to 60 minutes to less than one minute, enhancing response speed and the efficiency of operational resource management.”
Advanced AI capabilities
Al Zarouni added: “Through the Artificial Intelligence Centre and the Dataiku Enterprise Platform, we have developed advanced capabilities to support real-time decision-making, contributing to enhanced operational management efficiency and reinforcing the Authority’s leadership in the use of artificial intelligence to support the smart mobility system.”
The system uses real-time data, machine learning technologies and advanced optimisation algorithms to identify the most suitable buses and deploy them immediately based on operational requirements, while maintaining network efficiency and minimising any impact on service levels.
Supporting service continuity
The Bus Operations Control Centre plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and continuous operation of public transport services across Dubai.
According to the RTA, the AI-powered system represents a major step forward in data-driven operational management, supporting intelligent decision-making, enhancing service reliability and improving the overall customer experience.