Testing bus fleet using smart interactive voice technology

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has rolled out a new smart technology for testing its buses using an interactive voice system. The system eliminates the need for completing forms and using paper in testing buses. The system works by converting the voice of the inspector into a written text. This initiative gives a good boost for RTA’s relentless efforts to embrace modern technology to upgrade performance and operations. The step also supports the Smart Government drive in the Emirate of Dubai.

“The use of smart technologies in maintenance works is no longer a luxury, rather a necessity dictated by our commitment to the optimal & sustainable utilisation of RTA’s assets, and the delivery of safe & smooth transport services to all. It was therefore imperative to contemplate this new system which enables the technical inspector/tester to carry out a visual inspection of the bus without bothering to take paper, complete bus details or even carry a smart tab,” said Abdullah Rashid Al Maazami, Director of Maintenance & Services, RTA Public Transport Agency.

“This new technology features an interactive voice between the inspector and a device worn on his waist connected by earphones. The device on the waist dictates the tester to carry out the testing steps in sequence and inspecting key components & elements to be tested & diagnosed. It also enables the tester to figure out parts of the engine, test them and diagnose faults through providing voice responses to a series of preset sequential procedures. The System converts the voice of the tester into a written text, and captures images and uploads them to the database of Asset Management Department. The process reflects positively on the quality of testing & inspection, eliminates errors & omissions of key testing components, and reduces the response time for rectifying faults,” explained Al Maazami.

“The testing of buses using the interactive voice response is a further step towards leveraging Dubai endeavours to rank as the smartest city in the world. It also realises RTA’s strategic goals focused on the smart government, online transition to eliminate paper forms, save the time, and improve the quality of testing & repairs,” added the Director of Maintenance & Services, RTA Public Transport Agency.

About The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai

Since Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in today's world, making the provision of high quality infrastructure facilities absolutely imperative, and since providing an advanced transport network for the people of Dubai has been high on the government’s agenda, which is evident from its initiatives to enhance the public transport facilities and improve roads across the emirate to make travel safer and smoother.