RTA to build new central command centre

Dubai: A unified platform that will bring operations of different modes of transport under one umbrella in Dubai ahead of Expo 2020 will be set up, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revealed on Saturday.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has endorsed the model design of the Enterprise Command and Control Centre, which has been branded EC3.

To be built at a cost of Dh335 million, the centre will cater to the needs of hosting Expo 2020.

“The EC3 will act as a unified platform linking various control centres of RTA’s operational agencies such as Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public transport, taxis, and traffic systems control centres with an integrated central control unit,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.

The centre will be the first of its kind in the Middle East in controlling, integrating and coordinating various transit modes besides undertaking planning of various mobility challenges for RTA.

“The centre features a design rendering it one of Dubai’s landmarks. The building spans an area of 6,996 square metres, and consists of a ground floor and five stories with a total floor area of 10,900 square metres. The central control room covers an area of 430 square meters and rises 13 metres in height,” said Al Tayer.

He said that the facilities comprise office spaces, auditorium, press centre and four utility buildings. The EC3 will conform to the green building codes and will be qualified for the Green Buildings Certification – Gold Rating.

It will help ease traffic congestion, reduce transit time and cost, avoid traffic accidents, and curb environmental pollution through adopting smart planning in addressing the transport challenges of the emirate.

He added that the centre will also improve customers’ transit experience and contribute to their happiness through offering direct feed about the movement of various transit modes, integrate with the social media channels, and step up the people’s happiness indicator through the smooth use of mass transit modes.