Several upcoming transportation projects are focused on transforming Dubai into a hub of futuristic means of mobility. These upcoming projects are to cater the rising need for urban transport via new innovative systems and technologies – RTA’s Dubai Sky Pod is one such autonomous mobility system.
What is Dubai Sky Pod Transit System?
The Dubai Sky Pod Transport System popularly known as Dubai Sky Pod Transit System is a fully automated system. The power-efficient, driverless system is RTA’s initiative that aims to accomplish the government’s goal of making 25% of Dubai’s public transport driverless, smart and automated by 2030. A British company, Beem Car was chosen to work on this prestigious project.
The high-speed cable car-like transport system will consist of pods suspended in the air. The project will run alongside Dubai Metro with around 21 stations. It will have the capacity to transport 8,400 passengers per hour per direction with an effective speed of 150 kilometres per hour.
As per early estimates, this project is going to result in a 44% reduction in the overall transportation cost. This will roughly translate to savings worth a whooping AED 900 million per year. Dubai Sky Pod Transit System is also expected to reduce pollution by 12%, saving at least AED 1.5 billion per year.
The Dubai Sky Pod project is going to be environmentally friendly. It will consume five times less power than electric vehicles in the market and ten times less infrastructure when compared with the current system. This will reduce pollution and help the government attain its sustainability goals.
Inside the Dubai Sky Pod
Dubai Sky Pod transport system will help you avoid usual road congestion. Each pod has four seats measuring 2 m wide x 2.5 m long x 2 m high. All the seats will face forward and be arranged in two rows. The rear seats are going to be higher enabling the people in the front and back row to enjoy the view equally.
The Dubai Sky Pod system will essentially feature high-speed cable car style transportation to avoid the usual road traffic congestions. Sky Pods to be used in Dubai for transport are being defined as a mix between the traditional ‘ski lift’ and a monorail.
How Will the Sky Pod Work
RTA’s Dubai Sky Pods are going to be powered by linear motors offering the thrust and the braking system. The Sky Pod Dubai is going to be suspended in the air above the road from a hollow lightweight beam. The beam is going to be located 7.5 metres above the ground. However, the pods are going to stay horizontal at all times for a smooth journey.
Although all pods are functioned to work independently, they are also programmed in a way to synchronize operations. Thus, if one pod in the steam stops, all pods stop.
The total journey for Sky Pods Dubai are going to be about fifty kilometres. The top speed is expected to be 30mph or 50 km per hour. Furthermore, all of the pods will come with climate controllers. No matter the weather, the temperature inside the pod is going to stay pleasant owing to the inbuilt climate controller system.
The pods will stop at the ground level, passengers will be able to board the pods from there. Once passengers are aboard, the pod will move up to the main beam and line up at a slot between the other pods. Passengers are going to enter their destination using the touch screen. Upon reaching an individual’s destination, the Pod will descend to ground level allowing the particular passenger to drop off.
Facilities are also going to be made for passengers on wheelchairs, bicycles, pushchairs and mobility scooter users to come on board.
A simpler version of Dubai Sky Pod is currently operating in hill stations as tourist attractions.
DUBAI SKY POD TRANSPORT SYSTEM MAP
According to the official Dubai Sky Pod Transport System Map, the driverless autonomous transport system will link Business Bay to Al Wasl covering areas including DIFC, Burj Khalifa, Marasi Drive, Bay Avenue, Sheikh Zayed Road, City Walk, Al Wasl district and the Coca-Cola Arena.
That is all about the upcoming Dubai Sky Pod Transit System by the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on Sky Pods in Dubai.
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