Autonomous pods cable of transporting up to 10 people are being trialled in Dubai.
The pods can travel short to medium distances, in dedicated lanes, travelling at a speed of 20k/h. They are powered by batteries for around three hours, which can be fully charged again in six.
In a Government of Dubai news statement, Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said: “The pilot test of driverless units is directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the context of transforming Dubai into the smartest city worldwide. It is also part of RTA’s endeavours to provide autonomous transport by carrying out technological tests under Dubai’s climatic conditions. It echoes the Dubai Autonomous Transport Strategy aimed at converting 25% of mobility journeys in Dubai to autonomous transportation by 2030. The move also contributes to achieving the integration of public transit means and people’s happiness through providing smooth, quick and innovative transit means.”
