Dubai is testing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify smoking inside taxis, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The RTA announced on Monday that this will be achieved through in-car cameras. Smoking is prohibited in all public transportation vehicles across the UAE. The RTA did not disclose the specific technology that will be employed to detect cigarette use. This initiative is part of a broader series of measures aimed at improving taxi services throughout the emirate. The authority has also initiated a pilot program to install 'high-quality air fresheners' in over 500 airport taxis. Inspection campaigns for taxi cleanliness will be 'intensified,' according to a senior official.
Adel Shakri, the director of Planning and Business Development at the Public Transport Agency, RTA, stated: 'The initiatives include enhancing awareness and training programs for drivers, as well as instructors at companies and driving schools.' The authority will evaluate the impact of these new initiatives on improving taxi cleanliness standards. 'This includes the introduction of a monthly operational index covering both vehicle and driver cleanliness, and tracking cleanliness-related observations per 100,000 Hala Taxi trips. Additionally, customer satisfaction surveys and mystery shopper assessments, focusing on vehicle and driver cleanliness, will be conducted semi-annually starting in 2025,' explained Shakri.
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