Stratech to develop world’s first intelligent taxi dispatch system
ConvergenceAsia staff
22/10/2008

In the near future, taxi commuters can expect shorter queue time at taxi stands with a new system that aims to substantially improve taxi services and operations by matching supply and demand in real-time.

The new system, known as Dynamic Vehicle Allocation, will be developed by Stratech Systems under the inaugural Co-Space (industry) Call for Proposals initiated by the Interactive Digital Media R&D Programme Office (IDMPO) hosted by the Media Development Authority.

When implemented, it will be the world’s first intelligent vehicle allocation system for taxi services. With this system, taxi operators can also look forward to improving their operational efficiency and service levels.

Commuters and taxi drivers sometimes experience frustration while seeking cabs and passengers respectively. For example, taxis may be waiting at a vacant stand while commuters may be queueing in vain elsewhere, said Dr. David K. M. Chew, Executive Chairman of Stratech.

"This system personifies our Connected Reality vision which aims to harness the power of the Net by bringing the real world into the Net and taking the Net into the real world.”

Using media like video and images, the system monitors commuter queues at taxi stands and sends the information to the taxi operators in real-time so that taxis can be better deployed to meet commuters’ demand. The system also enables commuters to make better informed travel plans by accessing taxi stand information via the Internet or mobile phone.

“The technology could potentially break new ground in areas such as location-based services, mobile computing, intelligent transport systems, smart sensors and software," Dr. Chew added.

The Call is part of the IDMPO’s efforts to build the IDM industry in Singapore, whose strategic programme on behalf of the National Research Foundation has seeded innovation amongst local academic institutions, industry and start-ups.

Founded in 1989, Stratech Systems is principally engaged in the design, development, integration, implementation, maintenance and project management of information technology and advanced technology systems. The Group delivers large-scale complex, real-time, mission-critical systems in the areas of intelligent Vision, intelligent Transport Systems and e-Systems for governments and businesses.

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