A global-first initiative to enhance maintenance efficiency and sustainability

Dubai. Roads and Transport Authority. 20^th February 2025:

In a pioneering global initiative, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the Smart Assessment System for Cycling and E-Scooter Tracks and their assets, leveraging the latest smart technologies.

The initiative reflects RTA’s efforts to harness innovation and advanced technology to analyse the road network and optimise maintenance efficiency. It aims to enhance road safety, improve the experience of soft mobility users, and support Dubai’s Sustainable Mobility Vision 2030.

This initiative underscores RTA’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the road network while enhancing urban quality of life through infrastructure development and improved operational and environmental efficiency. It also aligns with the Fourth Industrial Revolution by applying digital technologies to create a digital twin of the tracks, enabling cost optimisation and greater efficiency in maintenance operations.

The Smart Assessment System for Cycling and E-Scooter Tracks is part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to enhance services and develop a sustainable infrastructure that supports the transition to eco-friendly mobility solutions. The initiative contributes to creating safer, more efficient tracks, encouraging the adoption of sustainable transport, and strengthening Dubai’s position as a bicycle-friendly city and a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility.

The system utilises advanced cameras and sensors with cutting-edge technology, mounted on an electric bicycle, enabling precise analysis and performance evaluation of tracks without disrupting user movement. This innovative system provides fast and comprehensive monitoring, ensuring the highest standards of safety and convenience for sustainable mobility users.

The new system enables proactive track assessments and supports predictive and sustainable maintenance, enhancing resource management efficiency and promoting financial and environmental sustainability by reducing operational costs and emergency maintenance requirements. It incorporates new global benchmarks, including the Track Pavement Condition Index, Track Asset Condition Index, and Ride Comfort Index, marking a significant advancement over traditional methods that previously relied solely on the Track Pavement Condition Index.

Marking a transformative leap in track monitoring, the system can assess 120 km of cycling tracks in just four hours, compared to traditional inspection methods, which cover only 2.25 km per day—a 98% improvement in speed. Additionally, it can perform a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of track conditions and assets across 557 km within a month, surpassing traditional methods by 92%. Accordingly, it enables faster decision-making and enhances strategic planning for preventive maintenance and asset management.