The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started the installation of a smart meter system in all its taxis in Dubai at a cost of Dh68.8 million ($18.7 million).

The new systems boasts several key features including updated maps for the entire UAE rendering easy access to destinations. It also has an ‘Out of Service’ screen to allow for a 90-minute flexible break for drivers per shift.

It can even display an ‘End of Shift’ screen to ensure that the taxi is not hailed within the last 45 minutes, facilitating the handing over of the vehicle, said the statement from RTA.

The meter is linked with optical sensors to detect the boarding of a customer lest the cab driver forget to turn on the meter. The system can be linked with POS devices to enable smooth payment. It also has an ‘Aman’ (safety) system to monitor the speed of cabs on internal and external streets, it stated.

During an inspection visit, Mattar Al Tayer, the director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA, was briefed about the features of the system that are highlighted by integration with the Dubai Geographic Addressing System, Makani, and the automated calculation of tariff, Salik, when passing under virtual toll gates without interference on the part of the cab driver.

Al Tayer then reviewed the time chart set for the project. The RTA completed the installation of 4,850 devices by the end of June 2017, and the number will rise to 7,850 by December 2017.

The installation of smart meter systems in RTA's entire fleet, comprising 10,550 vehicles, will be completed by the end of June 2018.

According to him, RTA has completed the linking of 5,010 taxicabs with Makani and has executed about 118,000 booking requests through it during the first half of this year.

"RTA will continue upgrading the taxi services in Dubai with smart systems and high technologies to meet the needs of customers. The move is of particular importance considering the current drive of the Dubai Government to transform the emirate into a smart city that brings happiness to residents and visitors," he added.-TradeArabia News Service