Latest news with #OpenDataPortal
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Efforts underway to make digital bus info more reliable
Prasarana introduced QR codes at bus stops for commuters to scan and access bus route information. — LEW GUAN XI/The Star VARIOUS efforts are underway to make digital bus information more reliable and accessible in Klang Valley, says Prasarana Malaysia Bhd. In a statement to StarMetro, the transportation operator said although printed bus information was previously displayed on information boards and selected bus stops, these materials became outdated quickly. It added that existing route information boards were installed by the Land Public Transport Commission, which was dissolved in 2018, during the Bus Network Revamp Project in 2016, and had not been updated since. 'To ensure passengers always receive the latest and most accurate information, we introduced a QR code system at bus stops. 'This enables commuters to conveniently access real-time, up-to-date information with a simple scan, eliminating the limitations of static print materials,' it said. On the issue of live tracking interruptions on the My Rapid Bus Kiosk website, Prasarana said they were mainly caused by signal weakness of the global positioning system (GPS), interruptions to mobile network and occasional system downtimes. 'To improve the website's reliability, we are conducting consistent GPS maintenance on buses as well as integrating with other platforms such as Google Maps and MyRapid Pulse app, with data being published on Malaysia's Open Data Portal ( 'We are also implementing upgrades to improve the website's stability and performance,' it said. It further stated that the MyRapid Pulse app was upgraded in November last year and now had a more user-friendly interface. 'Bus fares are now accessible through the Journey Planner feature, with fare details provided after route selection. 'We are also fine-tuning the app's performance to address lagging issues and enhance the accuracy of the buses' estimated time of arrival. 'We are also integrating data across more bus service operators, supporting a seamless and connected travel experience,' said Prasarana. It added that the app would continue evolving as a 'central hub' for public transport information, currently covering Rapid KL train and bus services, MRT feeder bus, KTM and ERL schedules for multimodal trip planning. 'Our roadmap includes expanding coverage to integrate data from all feasible bus service operators across the Klang Valley, providing commuters with real-time, accurate information across multiple providers in one platform,' it said. Prasarana said it recognised the needs of passengers who might not be tech-savvy, stating that they could seek assistance from Prasarana's on-site personnel and customer service channels. It added that it was collaborating with Housing and Local Government Ministry and local authorities to upgrade 344 uncovered bus stops, with 165 completed as of July. 'Priority is given to stops with high ridership and demand, ensuring resources are allocated where they deliver the greatest benefit. 'Developing covered stops requires significant resources and ridership data guides us in making effective, needs-based investments,' it said.
Edmonton Journal
17-07-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Opinion: Edmonton's zoning bylaw offers opportunities for young people
In the context of the ongoing conversations around Edmonton's zoning bylaw, it seems Edmontonians have been thinking about and talking about infill housing more than ever before. While there have been years of public engagement leading up to this moment, it is fantastic to see Edmontonians becoming more engaged on infill housing. Article content However, the youth perspective has been largely left out of the narrative. As a busy 25-year-old Edmontonian who was unavailable to speak at the recent public hearings, where city councillors rightfully approved new design regulations for infill housing, I want to share part of my current perspective in the hopes that it will help shape your perspective. Article content Article content Article content Infill housing has always been a controversial subject in Edmonton, even going back to policies such as lot-splitting and the mature neighbourhood overlay, which are now generally accepted as enabling positive infill housing. The new zoning bylaw takes it up a notch, but particularly contentious is mid-block row housing (or eight-plexes, if you want to make it sound more scary) in mature neighbourhoods. Illegal pauses of such infill housing (which would take away individual property rights) have been floated, but row housing under the new zoning bylaw has played, and continues to play an important role in tackling Edmonton's housing crisis. Article content Article content According to general building permits data in Edmonton's Open Data Portal, so far in 2025, there have been 2,073 units in row housing with five-plus units that were issued building permits — just under 70 per cent of the total number of units for apartments. There is a narrative that gentle density in mature neighbourhoods, largely through row housing, is not making a meaningful dent in housing supply. The numbers show otherwise. Before you jump in and say 'but this infill housing is not affordable!' hear me out. While new infill housing can be a bit pricey upfront (it is new after all), it creates more homes for Edmontonians using economies of scale, and opens up homes elsewhere in Edmonton when people move into the infill housing. Such added supply puts upward pressure on vacancy rates, which have consistently moved opposite to inflation-adjusted rent changes in Edmonton over the last few decades, according to vacancy and rent data I sourced from Government of Alberta datasets. The concept of supply and demand has proven to ring true for housing in Edmonton. Article content The zoning bylaw is ultimately about fairness, especially for younger Edmontonians like myself who want an affordable and livable city. Any neighbourhood that restricts infill housing forces other neighbourhoods to pick up the slack. Putting all our infill-housing eggs in the downtown basket is not fair — many Edmontonians would prefer to live closer to the ground and neighbourhood streetscape rather than in 'skyboxes,' not to mention downtown having to further subsidize the property taxes of existing low-density neighbourhoods. And limiting infill housing mid-block (the vast majority of lots) would decimate where missing-middle housing can practically be built.
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
National Open Data Portal launched
LAHORE: The National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing (NCBC) at LUMS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives (MoPD&SI), hosted the Pakistan Open Data Conference 2025 in Islamabad. The event marked a pivotal moment in the country's digital transformation journey with the official launch of the National Open Data Portal (NODP). This first-of-its-kind portal, developed by NCBC at LUMS, will serve as Pakistan's central platform for public access to government datasets across vital sectors such as health, education, economy, environment, infrastructure, and demographics. The portal is designed to promote transparency, empower researchers and civil society, and enable data-driven policymaking and innovation. Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary inaugurated the portal and commended the achievement of the NCBC and the LUMS team in making this national platform a reality. He noted that it was a great privilege to be part of the journey that led to the establishment of NCBC, which he said has played a pivotal role in building local capacity in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. He stated that 'Pakistan's development narrative will now be written in code and understood through data,' adding that leveraging digital tools is no longer optional but an urgent national priority. He emphasized that the launch of the National Open Data Portal marks another major milestone, one that will empower policymakers, researchers, and the public by providing access to valuable, structured datasets across key sectors supporting better decision-making, innovation, and transparency for a stronger, more data-informed Pakistan. Ahsan Iqbal concluded with a powerful message: 'In a rapidly digitizing world, it is no longer enough to make declarations – we must deliver results. Let us unite – government, academia, industry, and our youth – to build a data-smart, cloud-enabled, globally competitive Pakistan. The launch of the National Open Data Portal is not the conclusion – it is the beginning of a new era'. Dr Naveed Arshad, Director of NCBC at LUMS, welcomed participants by highlighting the strategic importance of open data in enabling a digitally empowered Pakistan. He remarked that 'data is the new oil but unlike oil, the more we share it, the more value we unlock.' He added that the launch of the Open Data Portal is a critical investment in transparency, knowledge-sharing, and innovation for Pakistan's digital future. Reflecting on the establishment of NCBC at LUMS in 2018, made possible through the generous support of the Government of Pakistan, he shared that working alongside 12 partner institutions across the country has been a journey of collective growth and technical excellence. He acknowledged the dedication of all contributors to the effort, emphasizing that their commitment deserves the highest appreciation and recognition. The conference brought together senior stakeholders from government, academia, development partners, and the tech industry for strategic discussions on the role of open data in advancing inclusive development. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Leveraging data and AI to bridge Africa's $90 billion infrastructure gap
The African Development Bank estimates this shortfall shaves nearly 2% off GDP growth each year, choking economic potential and social progress. By Nomvula Mabuza Africa's infrastructure deficit, a $90 billion annual gap, casts a long shadow over the continent's future. The African Development Bank estimates this shortfall shaves nearly 2% off GDP growth each year, choking economic potential and social progress. From unreliable power grids to crumbling roads, these gaps inflate costs, isolate communities and stifle opportunity. Yet, within this challenge lies a chance to reimagine infrastructure through data and artificial intelligence (AI), transforming obstacles into pathways for growth. The infrastructure gap ripples across Africa's economy and society. Poor logistics, with transport costs 30-40% higher than in other regions, undermine the African Continental Free Trade Area's (AfCFTA) promise of a 52% boost in intra-African trade. These inefficiencies translate into pricier goods and fewer jobs, locking nations in a cycle of lost potential. Limited access to electricity and reliable roads further restricts digital economies and isolates rural areas, with logistics bottlenecks costing the continent $130 billion annually in economic inefficiencies. Closing this gap is not just a necessity but an economic opportunity, poised to unlock billions in growth and attract investment from across the globe. Systemic barriers sustain this crisis. African governments collect less tax revenue than other developing regions, leaving them with limited funds for major projects. Compounding this, fewer than 10% of proposed infrastructure projects reach financial close, as 80% falter at the feasibility stage due to inadequate planning. Private investment, which hit only $40 billion in 2021, remains a fraction of what's needed. At the heart of these issues lies a critical flaw: incomplete, outdated and fragmented data. Without real-time insights into road conditions, energy access, or logistical efficiency, planning becomes guesswork and investors shy away from high-risk ventures. Leveraging Data and AI to Bridge Africa's $90 Billion Infrastructure Gap A bold, AI-enabled strategy can turn disparate data into actionable insights, revolutionizing infrastructure planning. A continent-wide, open-source repository could aggregate real-time metrics from all 54 African nations—project costs, completion rates, demographic needs. Kenya's Open Data Portal shows how such platforms can break down silos and guide decisions. AI can pinpoint high-return projects, like solar grids in underserved rural areas, ensuring efficient, impactful investments. Satellite imagery and geographic information systems, as used by Digital Earth Africa, offer real-time oversight to prevent delays and mitigate environmental risks, supporting projects like Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam. Mobile apps, inspired by Ushahidi, can empower citizens to report issues like potholes or outages, fostering accountability and highlighting urgent needs. Rwanda's partnership with Zipline demonstrates the transformative potential of data-driven solutions. Since 2016, Zipline has leveraged real-time data to deliver blood and vaccines by drone, slashing delivery times from hours to minutes and serving over 2,500 health facilities. This innovation not only bolsters healthcare but also shows how technology can address logistical gaps, drawing investment and offering a scalable model for infrastructure challenges across Africa. Technology alone cannot bridge the infrastructure gap—robust governance is the bedrock of success. Across Africa, distrust in data systems and a shortage of skilled professionals pose significant barriers. Citizens hesitate to share data without assurances of privacy and governments struggle to implement AI tools without local expertise. South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), enacted in 2020, offers a model for addressing these concerns. By enforcing strict data privacy standards, POPIA has bolstered public confidence, enabling projects like digital health platforms that rely on secure data-sharing. Similarly, capacitybuilding initiatives are critical. Carnegie Mellon University Africa, based in Rwanda, trains hundreds of data scientists annually, equipping them to develop and manage AI-driven infrastructure solutions. For example, graduates have contributed to optimizing Rwanda's energy grid, ensuring data tools translate into real-world impact. Beyond privacy and skills, governance must foster transparency to attract investment. Clear regulatory frameworks, like those piloted in Kenya for public-private partnerships, reduce risks for investors, making projects like the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway more bankable. Without these governance pillars—privacy, Leveraging Data and AI to Bridge Africa's $90 Billion Infrastructure Gap capacity and transparency—the promise of data and AI risks remaining out of reach. Significant hurdles remain. With internet penetration in rural Africa at just 25%, community-driven data collection faces limitations. Privacy concerns, even with laws like POPIA, could erode trust in data platforms. Yet, these challenges are not insurmountable. Targeted investments in digital infrastructure, such as expanding mobile networks and public education campaigns to clarify data privacy protections can pave the way for success. The path to closing Africa's infrastructure gap demands collective action, rooted in collaboration and innovation. African governments must lead by launching pilot data platforms in high-need regions, where real-time insights can guide energy and transport projects with precision. Multilateral institutions, such as the African Development Bank and United Nations, should channel resources into AI-driven project pipelines, demonstrating the viability of data-driven approaches through measurable outcomes. Technology companies, both global and local, must unite to develop scalable tools—from geospatial analytics to citizen-reporting apps—that empower planners and communities to address infrastructure challenges effectively. Investors hold a critical role in this transformation. By backing data-driven projects through dedicated infrastructure funds, they can mitigate risks, unlock substantial economic returns and drive sustainable growth across the continent. The opportunity is clear: coordinated action today can turn Africa's infrastructure vision into reality, fueling prosperity for generations. Africa's $90 billion infrastructure gap is a challenge that demands bold innovation. Data and AI, from centralized platforms to predictive analytics, hold the key to unlocking AfCFTA's potential for a 52% surge in intra-African trade and reversing the 2% annual GDP losses that hobble progress. Inaction carries a steep price—billions in economic potential slip away each year, leaving communities disconnected and opportunities unrealized. By embracing data-driven solutions, Africa can build a future where reliable roads link markets, electricity powers digital economies and infrastructure fuels job creation and prosperity. The tools exist and the stakes are clear: act now to transform the continent's infrastructure and secure a thriving, connected tomorrow. Nomvula Mabuza is a Risk Governance and Compliance Specialist with extensive experience in strategic risk and industrial operations. She is an MBA candidate at Henley Business School, South Africa. BUSINESS REPORT
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Yahoo
‘We're going backward:' Rochester police link social media to violent crime trends
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The Rochester Police Department's Major Crimes Unit is sharing more information about the role social media is playing in connection to violent crime across the city. RPD Captain Frank Umbrino spoke with News 8's Natalie Kucko for a broader conversation on the trends the department is seeing in their investigations today compared to previous years. 'I think social media is the cause of many of our investigations today,' said Capt. Umbrino. So far in 2025, the city of Rochester has recorded seven homicides. Four of those cases are now closed, according to the Rochester Police Department's Open Data Portal. While overall violent crime is trending down in recent years, Capt. Umbrino says the influence of social media in connection to specifically shootings and stolen property crimes is not improving. 'We're going backwards and we're destroying an entire generation of children. Your 14-year-old of today is not like your 14-year-old of 15 to 20 years ago. I'll go back to what I have said about as recently as a few weeks ago – the parents up here in tears are begging for help and because of the reforms put into place over the last couple of years, we can't provide them with the help they need and it's frustrating,' he said. As social media, in my cases, has become the foundation of the Major Crimes Unit's work, Capt. Umbrino says suspects are utilizing features like location sharing where feuds can escalate. 'We have young people out there that are sharing their locations and looking for a gun fight. They're sharing it with people they're feuding with and saying, 'We're here. Come and get us.' That's a cause for a lot of the gun fights we might have. Something needs to happen. Anyone can get on social media and see fights all the time. Do the kids need to be seeing that? No,' said Capt. Umbrino. Umbrino adds the only immediate change he's seeing city-wide is the growing frustration among community members. 'There needs to be ramifications for actions. When you have kids who are stealing cars for example, and they get caught doing it and absolutely nothing happens to them, they're going to go out and do it again because it's fun. It's fun for them to drive around at 100 miles per hour because they think they're playing a video game. They don't understand the ramifications their actions may have, potentially for the rest of their lives. Or, God forbid, the rest of somebody else's life because they've killed them, which we have seen here in our community,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
