DUBAI, 31st August, 2016 (WAM) The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Emaar Properties, is starting the trial run tomorrow of the first autonomous 10-seater car shuttling over a 700-metre long track at the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the 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 the RTAs plan to test a driver-less transit technology under the climatic environment of Dubai. Through this trial run, RTA also intends to educate the public about autonomous car technology.

"The experience also elucidates the smart driver-less mobility strategy launched by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aimed at switching 25 percent of total mobility journeys in Dubai into driver-less journeys using various transit means by 2030."The Driver-less vehicle is produced by Easy Mile/Omnix Company to travel short distances over pre-programmed routes. 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 and controls to avoid any collision along the route.

Mohammed Ali Al Abbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties said, "We thank the RTA for supporting our plans aimed at using driver-less cars in Dubai downtown. The trial run of the vehicle is a further testament to the firm commitment of the Emirate Dubai to encourage sustainable transit means compatible with the Dubai Plan 2021 for building a technologically-connected smart city.

"Emaar seeks to connect various Dubai Downtown landmarks, 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," he added.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2016.