Dubai signs deal with UK firm to build suspended rail system
dubai — Dubai has just taken a step forward in its quest to have a sky pod system. On Wednesday, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed an agreement with one of the biggest developers of sky pods in the world, BeemCar Ltd, to build the suspended transport mode.
The light-weight power-efficient pods would be mounted with steel wheels that run on suspended rails. The operation of the units would occupy a land area that is “several times lesser” than conventional means of the same capacity.
According to the RTA, the agreement would step up cooperation in developing “futuristic mobility solutions”. The sky pod system would be “characterised by speed, safety and efficient use of resources”, the authority added.
It was not immediately clear when the system would be rolled out. “The signing of the agreement is part of the RTA’s efforts to deploy autonomous transit means in line with the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy aimed at diverting 25 per cent of total mobility journeys in Dubai to autonomous transit means by 2030,” said Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA.
Chris Heaton-Harris, Minister of State at the Department for Transport, UK, witnessed the agreement signing. “This exciting collaboration will evaluate the feasibility of an aerial transit system based on BeemCar’s unique expertise. This is another example of the UK’s continued commitment to forging partnerships with the UAE across a broad range of innovation and technology,” said Harris.
Royal riders
The Dubai Media Office had previously tweeted videos and photos of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, inside sky pod models.
Al Tayer added: “This agreement corresponds to the RTA’s efforts to enhance the integration of mass transit modes, and offer a solution to the first and last-mile challenge; which helps riders reach their final destinations.”
The Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy is aimed at diverting 25 per cent of total mobility journeys in Dubai to autonomous transit means by 2030.” Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer,
Roads and Transport Authority