RTA’s pilot project seeks to set up Wi-Fi hotspots in some facilities by year-end
Dubai: In addition to the world’s first air-conditioned bus shelters, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will soon boast another first — Wi-Fi-enabled bus shelters.
Dubai: In addition to the world’s first air-conditioned bus shelters, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will soon boast another first — Wi-Fi-enabled bus shelters.
A pilot project is being planned to have Wi-Fi connectivity at some
of the 400 new AC bus shelters to come up at new locations by the end of
this year.
“We are currently doing feasibility studies and working out the
modalities of having Wi-Fi at new bus shelters. Several vendors have
approached us with their ideas and we are looking at the best possible
options,” said Mohammad Abdullah Al Ali, Director of Planning and
Business Development at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, in an
exclusive interview with Gulf News.
Elaborating further on possible ways to access the internet at
different locations he said that only people using public transport
services would be able to access it.
Linked to Nol cards
“We are trying to work out the issue of accessibility, we don’t want
unwanted people to come and crowd bus shelters just to access the
internet. We are planning to link it to the Nol payment system and only
those who are actually waiting for a bus will be able to use it after
punching their Nol cards,” added Al Ali.
Initially, the project will be tried out at some of the most popular locations and a survey is being conducted to identify potential areas.
Initially, the project will be tried out at some of the most popular locations and a survey is being conducted to identify potential areas.
“AC bus shelters is the RTA’s pioneer project and Wi-Fi will add more
value to it, I don’t think there are such services in bus shelters in
any part of the world,” said Al Ali, highlighting some of the RTA’s
landmark initiatives. -Gulf News-