Driverless cars may soon be a common sight as Abu Dhabi’s leadership continues its drive to provide autonomous modes of transport around the capital.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport has penned a deal with Bayanat to trial driverless smart transport.
And that means we’ve taken one giant leap towards the kind of city you only see in sci-fi flicks.
The first phase of the pilot scheme will feature three autonomous vehicles operating in the main area of Yas Island.
They will operate as a pick-up service, collecting passengers in the drop-off points of hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and offices.
The second phase of the trial will see the number of vehicles more than trebled to 10, and they’ll operate more widely across all of Abu Dhabi.
The best bit? Well, other than the crazy videos to send your mates, the entire trial will be free of charge to passengers.
Bosses understand there may be a little apprehension at first, which is why each car will be manned by a safety officer, who will be behind the wheel (just in case).
It’s all aimed at streamlining the services used by residents and visitors of the Emirate, while supporting local development and infrastructure.
Enjoy the ride.
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