Dubai to use artificial intelligence and simulators to help cut congestion, waiting time for Metro riders
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Dubai: Peak hour rush and waiting time at some of the busiest Dubai Metro stations stand to be cut drastically with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)’s new project that uses artificial intelligence and simulators for crowd management of Metro riders.
RTA on Sunday announced that it has embarked on a trial phase of using artificial intelligence (AI) and simulators to streamline the demand for the metro service. The technology should assist in crowd management during peak hours at some metro stations or public events witnessing increased demand proportions, the authority said in a press release.
“The project aims to develop a smart and interactive system responsive to the needs of the metro riders. The project seeks to propose convenient transit timing for metro riders through understanding the demand pattern of the service and adjusting it to control overcrowding,” said Ahmed Mahboub, executive director of Smart Services, Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, RTA.
Ahmed Mahboub
“We had experimented the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to propose specific transit timings for riders in a bid to streamline the demand for the metro service and spread it over longer durations. The process requires the development of a model to simulate train journeys throughout the day. It uses nol cards data, metro demand algorithms, and a screen to display and understand detailed passenger journeys,” explained Mahboub.
Pilot project results
“Results of the pilot project indicate that trains serve about 40-80 per cent of those at certain stations during peak times and public events, which is reflected in crowds and more frequent journeys. The simulative model showed that passengers’ flow during peak hours will result in spells of congestions and longer waiting time for riders before boarding the metro. The experimental use of artificial intelligence reduced the congestion from 40 per cent to 60 per cent, and the waiting time to 30 minutes.
“Thanks to the integrated technological infrastructure, RTA is capable of figuring out smart solutions to challenges of its services, such as the increased occasional demand,” concluded Mahboub.