Dubai authorities test school bus monitoring technology

New system records traffic offences by bus drivers


DUBAI , UNITED ARAB EMIRATES , SEP 3  – 2017 :- One of the school bus on Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai. ( Pawan Singh / The National )
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Cameras and location sensors are being tested on some school buses in Dubai to allow authorities to track their movements and monitor driver safety.

The system may be introduced on all buses, transport officials have said.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority said it began a trial of the technology on 10 buses last month.

Officials hope the technology will also help them to monitor the conduct of bus drivers, as well as identify other road users who may be driving dangerously.

“This initiative involves the installation of smart cameras, hi-tech communication devices and sensors in the interior and exterior of school buses,” said Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, chief executive of RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

“The system will monitor the conduct of drivers, attendants and students on board while the bus is in motion.

“It will remotely monitor what’s going on around the bus and also identify its real-time location.”

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Five buses with seating for 20 and five minibuses make up the 10 vehicles taking part in the trial.

Data from the programme will be analysed after three months and a decision then taken as to whether the scheme will be  introduced in all school buses.

Mr Bahrozyan said: “The system will automatically record three particular traffic offences including overtaking the school bus when the Stop sign is open, whether or not everyone is wearing their seat belts and if the driver is leaving a sufficient distance between the bus and other vehicles.

“The RTA will analyse all data retrieved from the 10 buses to assess its efficiency and accuracy.

“It will then develop a timeline in co-ordination with government entities to start applying the technology to all school buses registered in Dubai.”