Bus commuters in Dubai can now plan their trips more effectively thanks to a collaboration between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and American transit data provider Swiftly. This partnership aims to enhance the accuracy of the RTA's Real-Time Passenger Information system (RTPI). Passengers will have access to real-time bus locations, traffic updates, delays, and service disruptions through various smart applications, including RTA's S'hail app and third-party Journey Planner platforms.
These improvements will enable passengers to schedule their trips more precisely by knowing exactly when to arrive at the bus stop, reducing wait times, and avoiding missed buses. The platform utilizes advanced big data technologies to refine bus arrival predictions.
"Our collaboration with Swiftly is designed to enhance customer awareness of real-time bus locations and potential delays caused by traffic conditions, accidents, or other external factors. By employing big data-based solutions, this partnership will provide more accurate bus arrival predictions, ensuring passengers know exactly when to reach the bus stop, helping them avoid missing the bus or waiting for too long," said Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
Jonathan Simkin, Co-founder and CEO of Swiftly, added: "We are excited to partner with RTA Dubai to enhance the rider experience and equip staff with modern tools that facilitate more efficient and effective collaboration. The partnership has already shown significant results, with a 24% improvement in the accuracy of Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), meaning more passengers will catch their bus and have a seamless experience with RTA Dubai's service." He further mentioned, "This is just the beginning. We look forward to expanding our work with RTA Dubai and more broadly in the region to improve the passenger experience for millions of riders."
