Sharjah upgrades traffic lights Using AI Innovation

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has implemented a significant upgrade by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into 48 traffic lights across the city. In operation for approximately a month, this advanced system utilizes a combination of sensors, cameras, and sophisticated algorithms to collect and analyze real-time traffic data.

The AI system is designed to detect various parameters at intersections, such as the number of vehicles, their types, and travel speeds. The collected data undergoes processing through advanced algorithms capable of swiftly identifying patterns and trends in traffic flow, including peak congestion times.

Based on this comprehensive analysis, the AI system dynamically adjusts the timing of traffic lights to accommodate varying traffic volumes. For instance, during high-traffic scenarios, it can extend the green light duration for the busier direction, while in low-traffic conditions, it shortens it to facilitate smoother flow in other directions. Dr. Engineer Yousif Alathmani, Chairman of the SRTA, emphasizes the technology's ability to continuously learn and adapt, becoming increasingly efficient over time in predicting traffic patterns and making corresponding adjustments to signal timings.

This technological enhancement aims to ensure that traffic light timings are more responsive to real-time road conditions, potentially resulting in a substantial improvement of up to 30% in traffic flow, as noted by Dr. Alathmani.

In addition to the AI-driven traffic management system, the SRTA is actively advancing its sustainable transportation efforts. The authority has expanded its electric bus fleet by acquiring 10 more electric buses, following the success of a pilot program with two electric buses. Moreover, the SRTA has introduced a fleet of Tesla Model S and Model 3 electric vehicles, with plans to increase the number in the future.

As part of its comprehensive plan to revamp the city's transport infrastructure, the SRTA is collaborating with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to enhance the efficiency of key roads, including Al Ittihad Road, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, and the Emirates Bypass. These efforts are aimed at further streamlining traffic flow and improving road safety.

The SRTA has also initiated projects to pave internal roads in 20 residential areas across Sharjah and the central region. Additionally, a significant development is the inauguration of an official bus line between Sharjah (Al Jubail) and Oman (Muscat), scheduled for February 22. This announcement was made during a meeting with journalists from various UAE media outlets as part of the Tawasul initiative of the Sharjah Press Club, aiming to enhance communication between Sharjah authorities and the media.

_{Photo: Khaleej Times}