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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a smart system called DOR that tests bus tyres and keeps air pressure intact. The state-of-the-art technique enhances bus road safety and improves the performance of bus operation.

“Improving the techniques of bus testing and maintenance is part of RTA’s efforts to keep pace with Dubai Government drive to be innovative in all fields,” said Abdullah Al Mazmi, Director of Maintenance and Services of RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

“Using this smart system in testing and assessing the condition of bus tyres will cut down potential cancellation of trips due to faults on road, and enhance the overall bus road safety. It will also reduce fuel consumption by maintaining the required tyre air pressure all the time and elongate the lifespan of tyres. The procedure contributes to automating tyre inspection, which in turn reduces the testing and repair time of buses and contributes to realizing RTA’s vision of safe and smooth transport for all. After all, public buses are a key component of the public transport network in Dubai,” he commented.

“Vehicles are fitted with smart devices enabling sensors to measure tyres pressure and the thickness of the tyre’s tread. These data are analysed and a detailed report about tyres soundness is generated and forwarded by e-mail. The device can inspect and report the tyre’s conditions in just 20 seconds. A green smiley face pops up on the driver’s screen meaning that the bus is good to go. Otherwise, a red and sad face appears, indicating an issue with tyres,” explained Al Mazmi.

The system has been installed in Jebel Ali Station and it was reported that bus faults on road have dropped by 58% between May and July this year, compared with the same period last year. This technology supports RTA’s Smart Dubai Strategy, Asset Sustainability and Advance RTA.