DOHA: The QU Wireless and Innovations Center (QUWIC) is collaborating with Mowasalat to develop an Intelligent Traffic Monitoring System (ITMS) customised for Qatar.
This was announced during a press meet yesterday which witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between QUWIC and Mowasalat which will see the development of a smart transportation system in the country in which ITMS is an important element.
The MOU was signed at QSTP by Dr Adnan Abu-Dayya, Executive Director of QUWIC and Ahmed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Mowasalat.
"With the current and expected growth rate in Qatar, come many challenges and the need for deploying an intelligent transportation system, of which ITMS is a key component, becomes more urgent. Our applied research employs the latest technologies to create innovative solutions and applications that will contribute to realising Qatar's objectives as set forth in the 2030 vision through the joint efforts of all parties such as Mowasalat," said Dr Abu-Dayya.
ITMS will utilise multiple sources of data collected through different methods including fixed and mobile sensors. The data will then be processed through QUWIC's own intelligent platform to generate near-real time traffic information.
This information will be used to create different applications such as travel time, trip planning, best route, fleet management, among others. These applications will be delivered to end users via the Web, Mobile Apps, SMS, and other valuable means.
According to the MoU, Mowasalat will provide adequate vehicles with the proper settings and the engineering expertise in the field of transportation technologies and public transportation business solutions.
Al Mansoori assured that all support will be granted to QUWIC to progress with its applied research on ITMS. He said that this comes in line with Mowasalat's commitment toward development in Qatar, not only through providing transportation services but also through developing supporting services and applications.
Mowasalat will extend full support to QUWIC in the areas of public transportation experience, vehicles preparation, operational expertise and supporting equipment and services to ensure that QUWIC achieves the best possible results to its development effort.
Building an ITMS and associated applications is one of the key initiatives for QUWIC as it is considered a strategic asset for Qatar. QUWIC is the first Qatari organisation that is building such comprehensive end-to-end solution comprising an intelligent traffic monitoring platform, diverse applications, and multiple delivery mechanisms.
This MOU will allow both parties to exchange information and expertise with the objectives of field testing ITMS applications that suit the needs of Mowasalat and help it to deliver better service to its customers and to contribute efficiently in the development of the transportation sector in the country.
"This MOU brings us one step closer towards achieving our strategic objectives and we are glad to have the trust and support of Mowasalat following the previously signed MOUs with other local authorities such as Qtel and Kahrama," said Dr Abu-Dayya.
© The Peninsula 2010
