RTA Uses Advanced Data Solutions to Optimise Seasonal Marine Transport Network
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has enhanced its Seasonal Network initiative for marine transport services by adopting advanced and flexible scientific and technological methodologies. This move reflects RTA's corporate agility and capacity to adapt to the distinct operational dynamics of seasonal service periods. It also enables responsive adjustments to fluctuations in demand associated with public holidays, festive seasons, and major events in the emirate.
The study supporting the development of the seasonal marine transport network involved the creation of internal algorithms designed to analyse and process big data from diverse sources. These algorithms facilitate the development of a flexible operational plan for the network and are scalable for future data analysis of the sector. The model is designed for seasonal application, with each season evaluated independently. Throughout its development, careful consideration was given to maintaining customer satisfaction while enhancing occupancy rates of marine transport modes and optimising operational efficiency.
The study methodology for this project was based on using predictive analysis to assess data from the marine transport network. This approach enabled forecasting the impact of operational changes and evaluating the network's flexibility in adjusting service schedules and trip frequencies in line with passenger volumes, occupancy rates, and revenue performance of marine transport modes.
The summer season plan will be implemented starting 2 May, leveraging big data that captures detailed insights across marine transport services — including passenger volumes, revenue figures, and occupancy rates. These data sets offer critical input for service development studies and enhance network efficiency by simulating user behaviour and forecasting demand patterns.
Leveraging big data, advanced systems, and digital applications has allowed for greater flexibility in preparing and executing the Seasonal Marine Transport Network initiative. Services are deployed efficiently and accurately, following carefully developed plans and detailed operational timetables, in line with leading international best practices in the sector.
The initiative would be implemented on a seasonal basis, with its development carefully structured to ensure customer needs remain fully met while improving occupancy rates and reducing operational costs of marine transport services.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dh55 million for a car number plate? Why are some plates so expensive in the UAE?
Less is more — that's definitely true when it comes to car number plates in the UAE. The fewer the digits, the more expensive they are. This could help explain why Dubai's 'P7' car number plate set the record for the most expensive number plate in the world when it was auctioned for Dh55 million in 2023. This surpassed the previous record of Dh52.5 million set by the 1 number plate sold in Abu Dhabi. Owning a personalised number plate could turn more heads than the car you drive. And thankfully, you don't need to spend millions to acquire one. While single-digit number plates are the most expensive, there are many double and triple-digit combinations that are priced lower. Or, you could go the other way and pick numbers that represent a significant date — such as the date you got married, or the birth date of your children. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has just finished its latest auction of distinctive number plates consisting of three-, four-, and five-digit combinations for private vehicles, classic vehicles, and motorcycles. This was the RTA's 79th online auction and included 350 exclusive plates up for grabs. Many of its auctions are organised to raise money for good causes, such as the 1 Billion Meals Endowment and the Fathers' Endowment Campaign. The One Billion Meals Endowment campaign was launched under the global initiatives umbrella spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the aim of fighting global hunger. One of the most memorable auctions saw Muhammad BinGhatti, chairman of Binghatti Holding, pay Dh35 million for the DD5 number plate, which started with a bidding price of Dh15 million. While single-digit plates are the most exclusive, repeating numbers (like 111, 7777) or patterns (like 1234) are also highly prized. Personalised number plates are bought primarily as a status symbol, much like an expensive watch. But there are also those motorists who buy them as investments, hoping their value will increase over time. Manan Mistry, who owns the company Create Me, has bought four personalised number plates during his 19 years in the UAE. The 45-year-old paid around Dh4,000 per plate, which were put on various cars, including a Hummer, Chevy Camaro and Mustang. Important numbers 'I just thought it would be cool to have what you wanted, so I went ahead and bought personalised plates,' he said. One of the number plates is similar to his phone number while another one is the date of his wedding anniversary. Mistry plans to sell two of them as a pair, but not the marriage date one as it is 'priceless'. 'I also have L plates, which people think is a limo company. But at the time, it was the letter,' he joked. Jamie McGinlay, 49, bought the number plates O 3275 and P 3275 about five years ago and paid Dh9,000 for the pair. 'Originally, one was on my wife's Porsche Cayenne, but it's now on my Lotus Emira. The other has always been on my Aston Martin. I thought it would be a good way of making a little money on something a little fancy as I have always liked cars,' explained McGinlay, who is the CEO of a defence contracting company and has lived in the UAE for 16 years. 'I haven't ever sold them, but I am aware that their value has increased massively.' Back in 2017, the RTA launched a campaign called 'Your Memorable Moments on Your Vehicle's Plate' for U-coded plates. It allowed buyers to choose five-digit plates bearing a code personalised to resemble important dates. If I were to buy them for my two sons' birthdays, the plates would look very similar – 10107 and 10710. If you want a personalised number plate (officially called Special Plate Numbers) in Dubai, you can buy one directly from the RTA, participate in one of its online or physical auctions, or from a second-hand marketplace. The RTA offers customisation services, allowing you to choose letters and numbers that hold personal significance, as long as they haven't already been taken. Regular number plates have single letters at the front, with lower letters like A, B, and C normally meaning they are older. Once you start seeing double letters (like CC) then you will know these are part of a special series or auction. If you are taking part in an auction, make sure you determine your budget before you start bidding. Personalised plates can range in price from thousands to millions of dirhams, so don't get carried away. Having a hard ceiling on the price you are willing to pay will stop your emotions from taking over. Auctions can be competitive, especially for highly sought-after plates, so think carefully before you enter a bidding war.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha in UAE: Free parking, revised public transport timings; full guide
With a four-day weekend being announced across the UAE for Eid Al Adha this year, residents are flying out and planning activities with their families. Also known as the 'Festival of Sacrifice,' the holiday commemorates the act of faith and is generally a time for prayer, reflection, and generosity. Here's the latest on revised parking and public transport timings across emirates: Abu Dhabi Parking and toll fees are typically free in the capital on Sundays and official holidays. On June 4, the emirate's Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced that bus services will operate according to the weekend and public holiday schedule. There are additional trips on regional and intercity routes. The Abu Dhabi Link service will continue to operate as usual, from 6am to 11pm. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Express bus service will be available from 6am until midnight. Dubai Public parking will be free to use from June 5 to 8 in Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority announced. Multi-level parking terminals will remain a paid service during the holiday. The authority also announced public transport timings for the holiday. Dubai Metro will run from 5am to 1am (next day) from Wednesday, June 4, to Saturday, June 7. Click here for more on Tram and public bus timings. Salik PJSC, Dubai's toll operator, will implement variable road toll pricing on all four days of the Eid El Adha holiday, including Sunday (June 8; third day of Eid al Adha). Sharjah Sharjah has announced free parking from June 6 to June 8 during the Eid Al Adha holiday, the Sharjah Municipality stated on June 4. This exemption does not apply to the seven-day paid public parking zones, which are operational throughout the week and official holidays, and identified by the blue parking information signs. Ajman will offer free public parking from June 5 to 8, with regular fees resuming on June 9.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
SRTA launches proactive plan for 5600 trips during Eid
Engineer Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, the head of the SRTA, highlighted the importance of being well-prepared during holidays. He noted that during the Eid al-Adha holiday in 2025, which runs from June 5 to 8, there will be a noticeable rise in public transport users. To handle this, the SRTA has made plans to operate 180 buses on various routes, aiming to complete around 5,600 trips over the four days. During peak times, buses will come every 5 minutes instead of the usual 45-minute wait. This means shorter waiting times and more convenience for everyone traveling. The authority is committed to making travel easy for people visiting family or exploring popular destinations, both within the emirate and outside it. They are also increasing staff at busy bus stations, especially the Jubail Bus Station, which will be open from early morning until late at night to accommodate the larger number of passengers expected during this busy holiday. Regular comprehensive trips The Authority has improved bus services in Sharjah City for the Eid holiday, making travel easier for everyone. They are running a total of 1,144 bus trips each day across 12 different routes, using 104 buses that connect to 543 stops around the city. Al-Othmani pointed out that these efforts are part of a plan to create a well-rounded public transport system that meets the growing need for travel during busy times like holidays. He noted that Route 22 will not be in service during the Eid holiday because the Souq Al Haraj market is closed. To make things easier for passengers, they have made some changes, including quicker arrival times and more ticket sales points at bus stations and inside buses, to minimize delays and crowding. To manage passenger flow, especially at the Jubail station, the teams have stepped up their preparations. They have increased the number of staff on duty and are providing the necessary support to ensure smooth operations. They are also allowing people to book bus tickets in advance and are keeping a close eye on how things are running to maintain a high level of service. Maritime transport During the Eid Al Adha holiday, there will be a special boat service operating between Sharjah and Dubai. Abdul Aziz Al Jarwan, who is in charge of transport at the local authority, announced that there will be four daily trips. These boats will leave from the Aquarium Station in Sharjah and arrive at Al Ghubaiba Station in Dubai, working together with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority. The trips will run from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a boat leaving every two hours. Each journey will take about 35 minutes. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before their departure to ensure a smooth boarding process. This service is designed to provide more transportation options for everyone and help connect different types of transport. Promoting tourism Al Jarwan shared that the Authority is working closely with the Omani transport company, Mwasalat, to run international route 203. This route connects Sharjah with Muscat, the capital of Oman, and offers two flights each day. This service is expected to encourage tourism between the two countries, especially during the Eid holidays. Passengers can board at Jubail station and travel to Al Athaiba station, making stops along the way. Tickets can be purchased online through Mwasalat Oman's website or at their service points. Public engagement Al Jarwan mentioned that during the Eid holiday, a special call center will be available 24 hours a day to help people book taxis. This includes different types of vehicles like regular taxis, family-sized cars, options for women, vehicles for those with special needs, and electric cars. You can make reservations by phone, through a smartphone app, or by visiting a website. The call center keeps an eye on all the bookings to make sure taxis arrive as fast as possible. It also welcomes feedback from the public regarding bus and taxi services, helps with reports of lost bags, and answers questions about the services offered across the emirate, including Sharjah City and other regions. He highlighted that the call center plays a vital role in connecting with the community, gathering and analyzing feedback to improve services in the future.
