New system to cut mall passenger waiting time

RTA to use tech to get real-time information, streamline transport services at major venues

Passengers at malls and major event venues in the city will have shorter waiting times as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rolls out a new time management system.

Measuring footfall at Dubai’s major venues using cameras and monitoring devices, the Smart Time Management System (STMS) will help the RTA deploy transport services accordingly, reducing waiting time for passengers.

The system will be in place at various locations popular for hosting major exhibitions and conferences, enabling the RTA to get real-time data on the number of visitors at different locations.

According to the RTA, the system will also help passengers get information on the number of available vehicles along with the expected waiting time.

Mattar Al Tayer, directorgeneral and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, hailed the system as a gamechanger after attending a briefing about the smart system for managing the waiting time during events.

The STMS was conceived as part of RTA’s aims to streamline management of transport around event venues, especially as Dubai plays host to more than 500 events per year.

A team of RTA experts made a series of field visits to event venues in Dubai to get first-hand feedback and assess customer needs for taxis. Accordingly, the idea of the system popped up, and it has been tested during two events held at the Dubai World Trade Centre for seven days.

During the trial, about 12,000 clients benefited from the system, at a rate of 1,700 clients per day. The system has also been tested at one of The Dubai Mall entrances for two days. Results of both trials showed a drop in the waiting time for taxi riders and a rise in customer satisfaction rating.

The system comprises screens placed at the start, middle and end of the queue, a device for counting visitors and sorting out the type of service required, and a device to measure customer satisfaction. It also has a computer server, cameras to read the number plates of taxis at the entry and exit points, and a smart mobile unit for monitoring events.