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DUBAI / WAM
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started the installation of a smart meter system for all taxis in Dubai at a cost of AED68.8 million that will be completed by the end of June 2018.
During an inspection visit, Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, was briefed about the features of the system that are highlighted by integration with the Dubai Geographic Addressing System, Makani, and the automated calculation of tariff, Salik, when passing under virtual toll gates without interference on the part of the cab driver.
The system has updated maps for the entire Emirates rendering easy access to destinations. It also has an ‘Out of Service’ screen to allow for a 90-minute flexible break for drivers per shift. It can even display an ‘End of Shift’ screen to ensure that the taxi is not hailed within the last 45 minutes, facilitating the handing over of the vehicle.
The meter is linked with
optical sensors to detect the boarding of a customer lest
the cab driver forget to turn on the meter. The system can
be linked with POS devices to enable smooth payment. It also has an ‘Aman’ (safety)
system to monitor the speed
of cabs on internal and
external streets.
Al Tayer then reviewed the time chart set for the project. The RTA completed the installation of 4,850 devices by the end of June 2017, and the number will rise to 7,850 by December 2017.
The entire taxi fleet, comprising 10,550 vehicles, will be fitted with smart meters by the end of June 2018.