DUBAI, May 4, 2023 (WAM). Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has unveiled an extensive platform to monitor and manage soft mobility operations in collaboration with key service providers and stakeholders.
This platform aims to promote sustainable mobility through the use of AI technologies. This platform is part of efforts to boost Dubai’s status as one of world’s most intelligent cities, and to achieve the UAE vision of having a leading role in AI by the year 2031.
Hussain Al Banna said, “This platform is a vital initiative under the RTA Enterprise Command and Control Centre’s (EC3) umbrella, aimed to enhance the quality of service and ensure smooth, safe and secure mobility for its users.
It helps in the preparation and integration of multiple mobility methods. It leads to an integrated and seamless travel experience for all public transport users and ensures safety and security on Dubai’s roads.
The soft mobility platform integrates the systems of the service providers with the EC3. In the initial phase, five soft mobility service providers were linked including four shared ebike operators and one shared scooter operator. In 21 regions, over 2,500 escooters operate (11 additional areas added in the first quarter 2023). Shared escooters have made over one million trips since 2022. “Additionally, the 1,750 bikes that are available in 28 different areas in Dubai have recorded more than 1.3 million trips by 2022,” said he.
Al Banna emphasized the importance of the initiative for monitoring and managing soft-mobility means across the entire emirate. The platform improves traffic safety and performance on all tracks and crossing lanes designated for cyclists and pedestrians. It does this by monitoring the number of people allowed in each zone and verifying that the provider is within the designated geographical zone. The platform also monitors the compliance with speed limits, and sends alerts when violations occur. It tracks the use of these means in order to promote soft mobility, first- and final-mile travels and enhance Dubai’s leading position in AI technology.
RTA has undertaken numerous initiatives to improve the individual mobility experience. Most notably, the RTA expanded the cycling tracks from 9 km in 2006, to 544 km by 2022. This resulted in an increase of the average cycling lane kilometer from 10,6 km, to 14,45 km, per 100,000 people during 2017-2022. Future plans are to increase these lanes from 9 km to 544 km in 2022, in accordance with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s strategy to transform Dubai as a bike-friendly town introduced in 2021.
RTA has developed a plan for soft mobility to redesign the road networks in various districts. This will accommodate soft mobility requirements. RTA has implemented this initiative across three districts in the emirate, Al Qusais 1, Al Mankhool and Al Karama. In Al Qusais, the use of bikes was at 100% and pedestrian satisfaction was 87%. Plans have been made to extend the soft mobility program to 31 more districts in the next five-year period.
RTA has made improvements in around 30 stations throughout the emirate to improve the infrastructure of the mass transit stations. The aim is to make it easier to access these stations by using sustainable transportation methods. This has resulted in an increase of public transport users, from 461 millions in 2021 to a staggering 621 million by 2022. These improvements will be extended to 32 more stations by 2027.
RTA continuously runs various initiatives in order to improve the safety and comfort for commuters, integrate public transport and promote soft mobility on short trips and first and last mile journeys. RTA was involved in the formulation of Executive Council Resolution No. RTA contributed to the issuance of Executive Council Resolution No.
