With its well-planned infrastructure, proper road networks and well-articulated traffic laws, Dubai is all set to welcome driverless vehicles. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a contract with Cruise, a subsidiary of GM which is a US-based automaker. This collaboration will result in the supply and deployment of driverless vehicles. After necessary technological and safety arrangements, self-driving taxis in Dubai are set to launch in October 2023. Let’s learn more about this tech-driven mobility development.
More About Dubai Self-Driving Taxi by RTA
One of the upcoming transportation projects in the UAE, self-driving taxis in Dubai are soon expected in the Emirate. The phase of preparations and digital mapping for the test run is complete, according to the RTA Dubai official statement. Furthermore, Dubai will be the first to enforce rules and regulations for the commercial use of driverless vehicles.
RTA Dubai decided to introduce all-electric driverless taxis because of their eco-friendly nature. The autonomous taxis in Dubai by Cruise will yield zero emissions. Moreover, self-driving cars are powered by advanced technologies, which enhance their driving abilities.
More About Deployment of Self-driving Taxis on Dubai Streets Next Month
According to RTA, a total of five driverless taxis will ply on the 8 km route of Jumeirah Road in October’s first week. This route runs between the Dubai Water Canal and the Etihad Museum.
During the test run, driverless taxis in Dubai will take no human passengers. However, there will be a group of individuals who will be able to try the rides of Cruise taxis. After the completion of the trials, full commercial operations of self-driving taxis in Dubai will be launched by the second half of 2024.
Driverless Taxi Dubai Mapping
The digital mapping of the autonomous taxi route in Dubai has been completed by the RTA and Cruise. The digital map covers the Jumeirah 1 area, starting from the Etihad Museum to the Dubai Water Canal. Two Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles (EVs) driven by humans were used for the digital mapping.
The data recorded includes the streets, pedestrian crossings, signages and other road features. All this information will help create an easily navigable digital map for the upcoming self-driving taxis in Jumeirah. The GMC Super Cruise system will also work on a similar pattern
HAILING AUTONOMOUS TAXIS IN DUBAI
Hailing Dubai Self-Driving Taxis
The process to hail a driverless taxi in Dubai will be seamless. A mobile app will be created, which will be easily downloaded by potential passengers. The method of requesting a ride will be similar to other ride-sharing and public transport apps in Dubai.
However, since it’s a self-driving taxi a lot of features along with the experience will be different from that of a conventional taxi or ride-hailing service. For instance, users booking a Dubai autonomous taxi will be able to control their experience. Before getting into the driverless taxi, users can change the radio and climate control settings.
Upcoming Autonomous Taxis in Dubai – Features and Specifications
Passengers will be able to view the real-time ride status via the touchscreen tablets installed in the vehicle. The tablets will also have sensors installed to remind passengers about fastening their seat belts and to close all doors (if left open by mistake).
For further assistance, passengers will be able to talk to the remote support team by pressing a button within the taxi. Also, the passengers will have the option to end the ride by using a provided function whenever they want. The self-driving taxi in Dubai will have another button for emergency stops.
Furthermore, if any of the passengers forget their belongings in the driverless taxi, the support team will contact them and inform them about their belongings.
Technical Specs
Talking about a few technical features in the autonomous vehicles by Cruise, these electric cars have five high-precision laser sensors installed. These sensors detect moving and fixed objects. To ensure safe driverless driving with Perception, Planning and Controls, these autonomous taxis in Dubai will feature 21 radars and 16 cameras.
Convenience for PoD Passengers
The driverless taxis will be programmed to close the doors automatically if the passengers forget to and will continue towards the next destination. Moreover, like the People of Determination taxi service in Dubai, autonomous taxis will have features to facilitate visually and hearing-impaired passengers.
FAQs
When were autonomous taxis launched in Dubai?
RTA announced the launch of self-driving taxis in Dubai at the GITEX event last year. According to RTA, there will be around 4,000 driverless taxis in the Emirate by the year 2030.
What is the capacity of Dubai’s self-driving taxi?
Chevy Bolt is chosen as the autonomous taxi in Dubai. The car has a seating capacity of three.
What is the self-driving taxi Dubai 2023 fare?
RTA has yet to set the self-driving taxi fare. However, according to RTA officials, the fare is anticipated to be 30% higher than regular taxi fares comparable to limo taxis.
This was all about the driverless taxi service in Dubai that RTA plans to ply on Dubai roads from next month. The launch of driverless cars in the UAE will soon be a reality as semi-autonomous electric cars are already on the roads of the UAE.
Besides, if you want to experience cruising with the latest driver assistance and safety features, upgrade your car. Browse from these used cars for sale in the UAE and pick the one that has advanced driver-centric specs.
Stay tuned to the popular auto blog of the UAE for more updates on the latest developments in the automobile industry, traffic rules and fines and a lot more.
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