Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is planning to add a new system called Automated Passenger Counting (APC) to its new buses to stop people from avoiding paying their bus fare. This new system will count how many passengers are on the bus and compare this number with the data from the automated fare collection system to make sure everyone is paying their fare correctly.

Right now, passengers are expected to use their Nol cards when they get on and off the bus, but some passengers skip this step. To fix this problem, the RTA will install the APC system in 636 new buses. This includes 40 electric buses, 146 larger buses for busy areas, and 450 buses for regular city routes.

If passengers are caught not paying their fare, they will have to pay a fine of Dh200. This new system is designed to make sure that everyone pays their fair share for riding the bus.

In addition to the new Automated Passenger Counting (APC) system, most of the new buses in Dubai will have a special system called Raqeeb. This system watches how drivers behave to make sure they drive safely and responsibly. It helps improve the way drivers act and keeps passengers safe.

There will also be a new system to check the driver’s identity. This system is connected to the bus’s main operating system to ensure that only the right drivers are behind the wheel.

How APC Works

The APC (Automated Passenger Counting) system will keep track of how many passengers get on and off the bus. Sensors placed in the bus doorways will quickly and accurately count passengers. The number of passengers on the bus and the number of commuters who touched their Nol cards to pay the fare will be compared using this real-time data.

In addition to collecting fares, this counting system can help understand how many passengers are using the buses. This data can be used to determine passenger demand and to improve bus schedules and routes, making sure buses are available where and when they are needed the most.

Crackdown on Fare Dodgers

In April of the previous year, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) conducted a six-day inspection to catch people dodging bus fares. During this short period, they found 1,193 commuters who were not paying for their bus rides. This inspection was part of a larger effort by the RTA to ensure everyone pays their fares. Saeed Al Balushi, who is the Director of Passenger Transport Activities Monitoring at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, explained that the RTA has now launched year-round inspection campaigns across Dubai to find and prevent such violations. He emphasized the importance of paying the correct fare using Nol cards. By doing so, passengers help maintain the proper use of RTA’s transportation services and support the authority’s mission to serve the needs of both UAE residents and visitors effectively.

The RTA operates a comprehensive bus system in Dubai, with a fleet of 1,518 buses. These buses run on 119 different routes, providing extensive coverage across the city. Here’s a breakdown of the routes –

Metro Link Routes – There are 35 routes that connect various parts of the city to metro stations, making it easier for passengers to switch between buses and the metro.

Intercity Routes – The RTA operates 12 routes that link Dubai to other emirates, facilitating travel between cities and supporting regional connectivity.

Internal City Routes – There are 62 routes that operate within the city of Dubai, ensuring that most neighborhoods have access to reliable bus services.

Fast Routes – There are 8 fast routes designed to offer quicker travel times by reducing the number of stops and helping passengers reach their destinations faster.

The extensive bus network covers 82 percent of urban areas in Dubai, making it highly accessible to the majority of the city’s population. On average, about 369,248 passengers use the bus services daily. This high usage underscores the importance of everyone paying their fares to maintain the efficiency and quality of the public transport system.

The RTA’s continuous efforts, including the introduction of automated fare collection and passenger counting on new buses, aim to further improve the transport system. These technologies help in accurately tracking the number of passengers and ensuring that fare evasion is minimized. By supporting these measures, commuters contribute to a better and more reliable transportation network, benefiting everyone who relies on these services for their daily travel needs.

Also read:- Automechanika Dubai Establishes Advisory Board to Propel the 2024 Edition and Future Development