Driverless vehicles to ferry passengers for free across Abu Dhabi

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) will start the trial operations of autonomous vehicles for transporting passengers in Abu Dhabi. Driverless vehicles will be piloted in two phases.

Phase one will see three vehicles operating on Yas Island, transporting passengers between hotels, restaurants, shopping malls & offices.

Phase two will include more than 10 vehicles in multiple locations across Abu Dhabi.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) signed a cooperation agreement with Bayanat, a G42 company, leader in the geospatial domain since 2008.

This agreement supports the strategy of DMT for smart transport and developing innovative mobility solutions to reinforce the efforts of the entity, through its Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).

ITC is responsible for establishing the necessary infrastructure for the use of self-driving vehicles within an integrated and sustainable transport system, to improve the quality of services provided to residents and visitors of the Emirate, while supporting local development and infrastructure.

The launch of the operational phase of autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi comes within the development and innovation framework by establishing a smart transport system that improves the quality of services, makes transport easier and enhance the traffic safety.

The first phase includes three vehicles operating in the main area of Yas Island in the pick-up and drop-off points in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and offices, while the second phase includes more than 10 vehicles in multiple locations across Abu Dhabi.

The service will be free of cost in both phases, and will be provided from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, with the presence of a safety officer in the driving seat, to facilitate the operation and intervene in the event of any sudden occurrence to ensure the highest security and safety standards.

Self-driving vehicles heavily relies on geospatial data, advanced mapping and artificial intelligence capabilities.