Dubai: Commuters in Dubai can now have real-time information about bus routes and Metro timings through SMS as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) continues to update its communication system.
The initiative is part of the Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) system, which RTA launched recently through call centre and LCD screens at Metro and bus stations.
“This is an extension of the RTPI system we introduced a few months ago. Our idea is to offer as much convenience to the people as possible and provide information through all the channels,” said Eisa Abdul Rahman Al Dossary, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
Automated Vehicle Management along with RTPI has already helped bus drivers improve services and increase efficiency of buses, and the SMS service will help commuters save time by having accurate information before reaching the station for buses.
“The system provides 100 per cent real-time information about bus timings and once a customer sends an SMS the system responds immediately within seconds,” said Al Dossary.
Adel Shakri, Director of Transport Systems at PTA, said the system provides information only about bus and Metro timings and the service costs the normal SMS charges.
Customers can avail of the SMS service to find information on all bus routes passing through a particular bus station. The format of the SMS is as follows: Type letter (D), followed by space and bus station number. The SMS needs to be sent to 5223.
Information on timings of a certain route could be requested by typing the letter (D) followed by a space and then the required route number.
The system also provides information on public bus timings after a certain period of time, which is requested by sending the letter (D) followed by a space and then the required timing.
Bus timings of a certain route can also be requested by typing the letter (D), followed by a space and then the bus station number and route number,
The system also helps with Metro timings at a specific station by sending the letter (D) followed by a space and the platform number, for example: (Union Station of the Metro Red Line — Jebel Ali Platform).
All times should be mentioned in a 24 hour format.
