Dubai is one step closer to having driverless taxis whizzing about the city.
Two electric vehicles, driven by humans, are now in the process of collecting data to be used to create navigable maps for autonomous vehicles to be able to pick up passengers and drop them off without drivers at the wheel.
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The cars, which are Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles, are kitted out with sensors and cameras by Cruise autonomous vehicles and are driving around in order to gather the information needed for the much talked about driverless taxis to make their grand launch.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), shared the update on Twitter, saying: “The agreement, which is the first of its kind worldwide between a government entity and a leading company in the field of autonomous vehicles, is a major step toward realising Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy.”
The two vehicles are driving around Jumeirah and come ahead of plans for a limited number of driverless taxis to be on Dubai roads next year.
Mattar Al Tayer, director-general, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, has also said that there are plans for 4000 driverless taxi vehicles to be available for passengers to use by 2030.
Are you ready to hop into a cab without a driver at the wheel?
Dubai is in the fast lane when it comes to transport.
Earlier this year, plans were unveiled sharing intent for 35 flying taxis to begin ferrying passengers around the city in just four years’ time. Can you believe it?
If all goes to plan it means that you will be able to hail a cab to drive (fly?) you in the sky from 2026.
Electric aircraft company Eve Holding, owned by Brazilian plane maker Embraer, and UAE-based charter flight operator Falcon Aviation Services have signed a letter of intent.
It is intended that the fleet will be used for tourist flights to and from the luxury Atlantis, The Palm hotel.
Getting from A to B in the city is going to be like something out of a movie soon.
More things to look forward to in the capital
Huge new Louvre Abu Dhabi Impressionism exhibition to open
There will be 150 impressionist paintings on display.
Read more here.
New interactive kids’ zone opens at The National Aquarium
You can bring the family to Bella and Rio’s Playground.
Read more here.
Cool new VOX Cinemas summer deals launch this month
Tub of popcorn, anyone?
Read more here.
