Fourth trial of driverless vehicle begins

EZ10 being tested in Dubailand following trials at World Trade Centre, Downtown Dubai

In yet another step towards making self-driving transport a reality in Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched phase four of its Driverless Vehicle Project.

This phase will see the fourth trial of a driverless vehicle, EZ10, at the Sustainable City in Dubailand. The trial, which will run till the end of the month, follows three successful trials over the last two years at Dubai World Trade Centre, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay.

Ahmad Behroozian, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said: “The smart vehicle can accommodate eight riders. It moves on virtual tracks that can be configured easily to make abrupt changes to meet demand. The vehicle is fitted with all safety requisites and controls of the pre-planned routes, along with sensors and smart monitoring systems to cope with any obstacles and avoid a collision,” added Behroozian.

Behroozian said that the trial run is planned at Sustainable City as the neighbourhood aims to use only electric and sustainable vehicles for public transport.

Designed to travel short distances on pre-programmed routes and under different environments, EZ10 is ideal in areas like university and corporate campuses, industrial zones, gated communities, airports, recreation centres and pedestrian areas. The vehicle is also special needs friendly, with a movable ramp.