DUBAI 11 June 2017: Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved RTA’s Self-driving Transport Strategy.
The strategy is aligned with Dubai’s Smart Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25 per cent of total mobility journeys in Dubai into self-driving journeys by 2030.
“RTA’s Self-driving Transport Strategy has several attributes that sets it a class apart from other strategies,” said Al Tayer.
- First, the transition to self-driving in Dubai is powered by a government entity whereas it is the private sector that drives this transition in many other cities and countries.
- Secondly, Dubai’s strategy is inclusive of all mass transit modes such as trains, buses, marine transit modes and taxis, as well as private vehicles, while many countries focus on a limited number of transit modes.
- Additionally, RTA’s strategy includes a global contest between companies, which have made significant advancements in the field of smart transport that would be announced later on.
To realize the objectives of this strategy, RTA is seeking to introduce an array of enablers that would be developed in a parallel manner. They include:
- Enacting legislations and rules for self-driving transport,
- Enhancing public adaptability to this technology,
- Developing conditions and regulations for testing and licensing of self-driving vehicles,
- Chalking up a structure for insurance and liability, and
- Addressing the requirements of infrastructure.
Enablers also include developing a structure for e-security along with a technology-driven communication system to ensure effective communication and interaction between vehicles as well as safe and smooth transport for all.
“High-definition e-maps would also be developed to avail the use of technologies and beat geographical and climatic conditions,” explained Al Tayer.
The success of the Dubai Self-driving Transport Strategy rests on several drivers highlighted by the availability of comprehensive and accurate information and sharing them effectively. The recently opened Enterprise Command & Control Center (EC3) would play a pivotal role in providing real-time and accurate information.
Research & Development (R&D) also contributes to the success of the Dubai Self-driving Transport Strategy. Therefore, RTA had forged effective partnerships with renowned global entities and varsities, and entered in consortiums with global universities & research centres for commissioning research in self-driving transport capable of addressing futuristic requirements.
“This strategy is part of Dubai Government’s ongoing efforts to improve services and introduce the latest in technology and innovation worldwide in the field of self-driving transport for the sake of adding happiness to people. RTA’s Smart Transport Strategy assists in planning journeys to multiple destinations using gadgets and smartphones.
“The strategic projects & initiatives of RTA are instrumental to reducing mobility costs, improving traffic safety, and kerbing pollution by cutting carbon emissions. They also raise productivity per capita, ease parking congestion, and achieve the integration with Dubai driverless metro, which is characterised by its high punctuality and cost-effective operation,” noted Al Tayer.
“RTA has already reaped some of the benefits associated with the self-driving transport through the driverless Dubai Metro. When compared to traditional rail systems, the Dubai Metro’s compliance with journey timetables is higher by 6.4%, and runs at an operational cost lower by 7%,” concluded Al Tayer.
By Sheena Amos