Dubai uses AI to improve bus routes

Transport bosses will use the data collected on 150 routes to abolish unpopular stops or run an express service that skips them

AI is being used to improve bus routes across Dubai. Dubai Media Office

Artificial intelligence is being used to improve bus routes in Dubai.

The emirate plans to revamp 150 routes used by more than 2,100 buses – with machine-learning algorithms.

Transport bosses will then use the data to close unpopular stops or run express services that skip them.

A recent month-long trial involving 10 routes identified significant efficiencies.

“During a trial period, the RTA experimented on 10 routes where card data was employed to figure out all-day busy bus stops, stops used during peak hours and rarely used stops,” said Ahmed Mahboub, executive director of smart services at RTA.

“The trial phase, which was carried out for 30 days, resulted in saving time that would be wasted on bus routes by 13.3 per cent.”