In a significant development, Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, unveiled plans for the imminent availability of self-driving taxis to the public. The announcement came alongside a video shared on Thursday, showcasing Sheikh Hamdan’s firsthand experience inside an autonomous taxi navigating a Dubai neighborhood.
Notable Companions on the Autonomous Journey
Joining Sheikh Hamdan in the autonomous vehicle were Lt.Gen. Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Dubai Police commander-in-chief, and Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The autonomous vehicle, operated by Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), featured a standby human driver from Cruise with hands off the steering wheel, emphasizing safety protocols, with all occupants wearing seatbelts.
Testing Ground: Jumeirah 1
Since October, driverless taxis by Cruise have been in a trial phase, testing on the streets of Jumeirah 1. This testing phase follows the successful digital mapping of the area, a crucial step in preparing for public access.
Limited Passenger Access by Year-End
While the trial phase does not presently accommodate human passengers, Sheikh Hamdan indicated that select individuals will be allowed to use Cruise taxis by the end of this year. Full commercial operations are anticipated to commence in the second half of 2024.
Navigating Safely in Jumeirah
The testing ground for the autonomous taxis spans the 8km stretch of Jumeirah Road between Etihad Museum and Dubai Water Canal. The RTA and Cruise completed digital mapping of Jumeirah 1, ensuring the inclusion of streets, pedestrian crossings, signages, and other essential road features for optimal navigation by driverless vehicles.
Dubai’s Pioneering Role Globally
Once operational, Dubai is poised to become the first city globally to commercially operate Cruise self-driving vehicles outside the US, marking a significant milestone in autonomous transportation.
Contributing to Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy
The autonomous taxis, utilizing Chevrolet Bolt vehicles, align with Dubai’s ambitious Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy. This strategy aims to convert 25% of all mobility journeys in the emirate to self-driving modes by 2030.
Future Deployment Plans
The RTA envisions a gradual deployment of 4,000 driverless cabs across Dubai by 2030, transforming a quarter of the city’s mobility journeys into smart and driverless experiences. Initial rollout plans focus on the Jumeirah area, with subsequent phases expanding to cover additional locations.
Fare Considerations and Safety Emphasis
While the fare for self-driving taxis is yet to be determined, expectations are that it will be comparable to limo taxis, typically priced 30% higher than regular cabs in Dubai. Emphasizing safety features and adherence to traffic regulations, the autonomous taxis promise a transformative and secure mode of transportation for the city’s residents and visitors.
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