RTA has initiated Phase II Study of Intelligent Traffic Systems Initiative.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has initiated the study and design of Phase II of its ITS Improvement and Expansion Project. This phase aims to include 100 percent of the emirate's main roads and implement the latest intelligent technologies and software, such as the Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS). The goal is to expand the use of advanced ITS technologies and conduct a benchmarking study with leading cities in the transport field.

This initiative is in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to broaden the scope of the Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) and support Dubai's efforts to become the smartest city in the world.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, mentioned that “Phase II of the Intelligent Traffic Systems project will increase the coverage of the main road network from the current 60 percent to 100 percent by 2026. Accordingly, the length of the road network covered by the system will extend from 480 km to 710 km.

This expansion will facilitate better road network management and traffic flow through improved monitoring, faster response times to incidents, and providing instant information to the public about the condition of the road network via new Variable Message Signs (VMS) and smart applications. The project seeks to enhance personal mobility by integrating modern and advanced technologies and self-driving transport solutions to provide a comprehensive ITS infrastructure designed to meet current and future needs.

Explaining the features and impact of the project, Al Tayer said, "The initial phase of the project included the addition of 116 traffic surveillance cameras, bringing the total to 311 cameras, the installation of 100 incident monitoring and vehicle counting devices, increasing the total to 227 devices, installing 112 Variable Message Signs (VMS) that relay real-time information about road conditions, fitting 115 travel time and speed measurement devices, setting up 17 weather sensor stations, and constructing 660 km of electric power lines and a fiber optic network with a total length of 820 km.

The project has improved incident monitoring by 63 percent, reduced response times by 30 percent, enhanced traffic flow, increased traffic management efficiency, and reduced journey times by 20 percent through Variable Message Signs (VMS). These results were facilitated by using VMS, enhanced linkage and integration with the Enterprise Command and Control Center and the Dubai Police General HQ."

RTA manages traffic in the emirate through the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Center at Al Barsha, which is one of the largest and most sophisticated traffic control centers globally. The center uses innovative technologies and traffic management systems to meet Dubai's expansion and aims to make it one of the world's leading cities in ITS, alongside Singapore and Seoul.

The Dubai ITS Center is a crucial hub for managing traffic in Dubai. It has an integrated technology platform which utilizes artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, advanced communication systems, and various monitoring devices to provide smart services and gather important information.

The center oversees Dubai's current and future road networks and maintains a 100 percent connection to the traffic lights control system. It also features an advanced traffic control system called "iTraffic," enhanced by AI technologies and big data analysis tools to support decision-making.

The center's responsibilities include ensuring the smooth flow of traffic, managing incidents and emergencies, monitoring operational systems, and reporting malfunctions.