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The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has started the installation of a smart meter system for taxis in Dubai at the cost of AED68.8 million. All taxicabs will be fitted with the new meters by the end of June 2018.
During an inspection visit, HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, was briefed about the features of the smart taximeter system. Features of the system are highlighted by the integration with Dubai Geographic Addressing System (Makani), and the automated calculation of Toll Tariff (Salik) when passing under virtual toll gates in the system without interference on the part of the cab driver. The system has updated maps for the entire Emirates rendering easy access to the destinations required.
It has the feature of displaying ‘Out of Service’ screen to allow for a 90-minute flexible break for drivers per shift. It can also display ‘End of Shift’ screen to ensure that the taxi driver will not be hailed within the last 45 minutes of the shift to facilitate the handing over of the vehicle.
The meter is linked with optical sensors to detect the boarding of a customer lest the cab driver forgets to turn on the meter. The system can be linked with POS devices to enable smooth payment and has a ‘Aman’ (safety) system to monitor the speed of taxicabs on internal & external streets.
Al Tayer then reviewed the time chart set for the installation of taximeters. The Public Transport Agency has completed the installation of 4850 devices by the end of June 2017, and the number will rise to 7850 devices by December 2017.
The entire taxi fleet, comprising 10,550 vehicles, will be fitted with the smart meters by the end of June 2018. The Agency has completed the linking of 5010 taxicabs with the Dubai Geographic Addressing System (Makani) and has executed about 118 thousand booking requests through Makani during the first half of this year.
Al Tayer reiterated RTA’s keenness to continue upgrading the taxi services in Dubai and the use of smart systems and high technologies in meeting various needs of customers. The move is of particular importance considering the current drive of Dubai Government to transform Dubai into a smart city that brings happiness to residents & visitors.
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