The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has commenced the trial operation of the automated transport system, “Dubai Glydways.” This innovative initiative is based on electric, self-driving vehicles powered by artificial intelligence, operating on dedicated routes. The move is part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to enhance a smart, integrated, and sustainable transportation network, integrating future mobility technologies and improving flexibility and efficiency for first and last-mile journeys.
Innovative Partnership and Operational Testing
The trial operation follows a cooperation agreement between RTA and the company Glydways, aimed at launching the first automated transport network of its kind in Dubai. During this testing phase, the focus is on assessing the performance of the vehicles and their associated technological systems in a real-world operational environment. This involves verifying the readiness of the self-driving systems, sensor technology, communication, and control mechanisms.
Specifications and Capacity
The “Glydways” system relies on autonomous electric vehicles that operate independently of road traffic on narrow, dedicated paths. These paths can be established at ground level or elevated. The system allows for virtual connectivity among more than ten vehicles with a minimal time gap of under one second. Each vehicle can accommodate between four and six passengers, reaching operational speeds of up to 50 km/h, with a range of 250 km per battery charge. The system is designed for high operational efficiency, capable of transporting over 20,000 passengers per hour in both directions.
Cost Efficiency and Sustainability
The operational model exhibits significant cost efficiency, with capital costs reduced by up to 90% and operational expenses by 70% compared to similar transport solutions. This paves the way for implementing innovative solutions in sustainable transport projects and supports the development of scalable networks that meet diverse mobility needs across different areas.
Trial Launch and Future Plans
The general director and chairman of the RTA board, Mattar Al Tayer, attended a presentation regarding the system and its operational functions alongside Mark Seeger, co-founder and co-CEO of Glydways, and Blake Barber, co-CEO and chief technology officer. They reviewed the technology employed for managing vehicle movements, operational monitoring, as well as safety and control systems. Al Tayer also examined the control centre and the management of operational processes, including vehicle movement on the designated path and the advantages the system offers in on-demand transport and direct connections between departure and arrival points.
To personally experience the “Dubai Glydways,” Al Tayer boarded one of the vehicles as it departed along the specified route in Bluewaters, operated under Dubai Retail and part of Dubai Holding. The journey lasted five minutes, marking the official commencement of the four-week trial period for the “Dubai Glydways” system.
Al Tayer commented, “The launch of the trial operation for the Glydways system represents an important step in RTA’s journey towards adopting and developing next-generation mobility systems. We are committed to transforming promising innovations and technologies in the transport sector into practical applications, testing and evaluating them within Dubai’s urban environment. This trial phase is crucial for assessing the operational and technical aspects of the system, measuring its capability of providing safe, seamless, and reliable journeys, and exploring its integration with the mass transit network, particularly in first and last-mile trips.”