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The Roads and Transport Authority - Mohammed Al Munji:
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Emaar Properties, is starting today (Thursday) the trial run of the first autonomous 10-seater car shuttling over a 700-meter long track at the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA said, "The trial run of the smart vehicle at the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard represented the phase one of this technology.
"This experiment is also part of RTA's plan to test driverless transit technology under the climatic environment of Dubai. Through this trial run of the smart vehicle, RTA intends to educate the public about autonomous cars technology and the experimental use of the technology in Dubai's climatic conditions. The experience also elucidates the smart driverless mobility strategy launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, aimed at switching 25% of total mobility journeys in Dubai into driverless journeys using various transit means by 2030. It also aims to screen the views & responses of residents & visitors about the driverless mobility experience using a survey measuring satisfaction rating.
"The 'Driverless' vehicle is produced by Easy Mile/Omnix Company to travel short distances over pre-programmed routes in multi-use environments. The vehicle travels on virtual routes, which can easily be reset to accommodate sudden changes as required. The vehicle is fitted with all safety requisites & controls specifying its planned route. The sensor system as well as the intelligent system of the vehicle enable coping with any obstacles encountered en route to avoid collision.
HE Mohammed Ali Al Abbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties said, "We thank RTA for supporting our plans aimed at using driverless cars in Dubai downtown. The trial run of the vehicle is a further testament to the firm commitment of the Emirate of Dubai to encouraging sustainable transit means compatible with Dubai Plan 2021 for building a technologically-connected smart city.
"Transport innovation and smart mobility solutions of the city is one of the key drivers of the Smart Dubai vision unveiled by HH Sheikh Mohammed, and constitutes an integral part of the recently launched Dubai Self-driving Transport Strategy. This strategic direction is expected to thrust Dubai to the forefront of cosmopolitan cities adopting clean transport solutions contributing to the sustainable development," added Al Abbar.
"Emaar seeks to connect various Dubai Downtown landmarks, the most attractive tourist & entertainment destination for visitors worldwide through driverless vehicles as they involve added convenience & luxury to residents & visitors of illustrious tourist attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and Souk Al Bahar as well as different hotels. We would also endeavour to use this clean and smart initiative in our giant future project Dubai Creek Harbour," continued the Chairman of Emaar.
It is noteworthy that RTA had launched last April the first trial operation of a 'Driverless' vehicle during the opening session of MENA Transport Congress & Exhibition 2016 organized by RTA and UITP under the theme: Urban Mobility: Think Big Act Smart.
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© Press Release 2016
