Dubai RTA Introduces AI Technology In Taxis

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Dubai RTA Introduces AI Technology In Taxis

The next time you’re traveling in a taxi, make sure you don’t take off your facemask. Dubai RTA has now installed AI in taxis to curb the spread of Covid. The artificial intelligence technology can detect people who aren’t wearing a mask. The AI technology can scan human faces and also detect if they are wearing masks or not.

Besides, the technology also has a smart mathematical feature that can track the distance between the passenger and the driver. The technology can process videos for up to 200 thousand hours per day.

Ahmed Mahboub, Executive Director of Smart Services, Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, RTA said, “AI technologies are employed to monitor and verify the compliance with the preventive measures undertaken to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.”

In line with the precautions to curb coronavirus, the Dubai RTA released a new set of rules. Here’s an overview of the new rules for Dubai Metro, taxis, trams and buses:

  • All passengers must wear a face mask while traveling by all public transport including taxis
  • Residents having a fever or flu symptoms are advised not to use public transport
  • Taxis and limousines are now restricted to only carry two passengers at a time, to ensure social distancing
  • Passengers must sit ONLY in alternate seats in metros, trams and buses. Besides, riders are strictly advised against sitting on seats marked with an ‘X’
  • Those standing in metros, trams or buses must maintain safe distance by staying on the demarcated floor stickers

The Dubai RTA has also included additional services to make up for the reduced capacity. Bus shelters in Dubai have been closed. According to the WAM news site, “RTA has called on public transport riders not to use public transport unless necessary; plan their journeys in advance to avoid peak hours, as delays are expected due to the new measures taken; and cooperate with the supervisors deployed at bus and metro stations or on board these modes.”