Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started the trial run of an autonomous vehicle at the site of Expo 2020 Dubai.
The vehicle will carry individuals from the main entrance of the site to the staff offices following a dedicated path constructed to run driverless vehicles.
This initiative is part of the RTA's broader strategy to transform 25% of total public transport in Dubai into self-driving modes by 2030.
“The Self-Driving Transport Strategy is part of initiatives aimed to support the green economy drive. Trialling an autonomous vehicle at the site of Expo complements is an achievement and addition to our efforts to spread autonomous vehicles at various Dubai hotspots,” said Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, RTA.
The trail run will last for three months. The team assigned to the project will test the technology ensuring quality standards and the protection of the surroundings.
The driverless vehicle currently under trail mode is powered by electricity and can operate up to 16 hours. It can carry 10 seated and 5 standing passengers while driving at a speed of 25kph.
The vehicle is designed to travel in closed and internal public roads within the entertainment and residential communities. It is fitted with advanced sensors to notice any obstructing object and slow down immediately.