Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is rolling out a game-changer in public transport, the Automated Passenger Counting (APC) system. This tech-savvy addition will be installed in 636 new buses in Dubai, including sleek electric models and snazzy double-deckers, to put the brakes on fare evasion. So, prepare for a new era where dodging bus fares becomes as likely as spotting a unicorn in the desert.
Dubai’s RTA Rolls Out 636 Smart Buses With New APC System!
أرست #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات، عقد شراء 636 حافلة متعددة الأحجام، مطابقة للمواصفات الأوروبية الخاصة بالانبعاثات الكربونية المنخفضة، “يورو 6” وحرصاً أن تكون المواصلات العامة هي الخيار المفضل لتنقل السكان، وصولاً لرفع نسبة الرحلات بوسائل النقل الجماعي والتنقل المشترك إلى 25% بحلول… pic.twitter.com/tOydyJyYhp
— RTA (@rta_dubai) July 21, 2024
Gone are the days when bus rides relied solely on the honour system and the hope that passengers would tap their Nol cards. The APC system is about to change all that with its eagle-eyed sensors. These clever devices will monitor and count every passenger as they board and alight, comparing the figures to the number of fare payments recorded. If there’s a mismatch, well, let’s just say fare-dodgers might want to start saving up for those inevitable Dh200 fines.
But the APC system isn’t just about catching the sneaky fare dodgers. It’s also a master of logistics. By providing real-time data on passenger numbers, it helps the RTA fine-tune bus deployments. Whether it’s rush hour or a quiet afternoon, buses will be dispatched where they’re needed most. And with the additional Raqeeb system keeping an eye on driver behaviour, passengers can expect a smoother, safer ride.
Fare Evasion: The Numbers Don’t Lie
In alignment with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the aim is to establish a sustainable and resilient public transport system that facilitates the movement of residents and visitors. This… pic.twitter.com/JgFIxb3O6g
— RTA (@rta_dubai) July 21, 2024
Last April, Dubai’s inspection revealed that 1,193 commuters were caught skipping fares over just six days. With the new APC system, such statistics should become a thing of the past. The RTA’s extensive fleet of 1,518 buses already covers 82 per cent of urban Dubai, moving around 369,248 passengers daily. The APC system will ensure that every ride counts—and that every fare is paid.
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So, next time you hop on a Dubai bus, remember: that the APC system is watching. Fare-dodgers beware; your free rides are about to be a thing of the past. Welcome to the future of fare enforcement, where technology meets transit for a ride that’s as smooth as it is secure.
Cover Image Courtesy: Dubai RTA/Website