Today's Edition
HALA AL-KHAYYAT (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi's self-driving public transport fleet has registered zero traffic accidents in a milestone achievement since their launch on Yas and Saadiyat Islands in November 2021.
By the end of August, self-driving vehicles recorded 26,000 reservations via the TXAI smart application, covering over 200,000 kilometres within the two islands. During the first half of this year, 5,000 passengers used self-driving taxis, and around 9,000 individuals used the Mini Robobus.
Further, the TXAI smart app has approximately 14,000 registered users as of the first half of 2023. Abdul Rahman Al Shizaawi, the Executive Director of Planning and Strategic Affairs at the Integrated Transport Centre, told Aletihad that the centre is in the process of developing a plan to expand routes for self-driving vehicles that would allow them to integrate with regular traffic.
This will enable the service to extend to new areas in the emirate, especially after the significant demand for the service on Yas and Saadiyat Islands by both tourists and residents, who see it as a convenient mode of smart application transport. He pointed out that the Integrated Transport Centre, in its pursuit to develop a smart and sustainable transport system, recently launched, the second phase of the smart mobility project on Yas and Saadiyat Islands, in collaboration with its strategic partners.
This includes a fleet of self-driving vehicles under the TXAI brand, the Mini Robobus service, and the Automated Rapid Transit system, which is a fast mass transit system operating without a rail or mass transit train model. Additionally, several vehicle charging stations were launched on Yas and Saadiyat Islands. He also mentioned that the smart transportation strategy will contribute to translating Abu Dhabi's goals to achieve zero emissions in the transport sector by 2050.
The centre also supports the efforts made to achieve the sustainable development goals in the emirate by developing and implementing innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency of the public transport sector and contribute to reducing carbon emissions. This aligns with the vision of the wise leadership for the cities of Abu Dhabi to become smart, environmentally friendly, and sustainable in their services and lifestyle. Regarding the fleet size of self-driving transport modes, Al Shizaawi clarified that the fleet currently consists of eight self-driving TXAI taxis and six self-driving Mini Robobus, all of which are electric.
Regarding the compatibility of self-driving vehicles with the needs of people of determination and their suitability for them, Al Shizaawi said: "Given that current self-driving vehicles are not fully equipped for people of determination, we are currently offering robotic bus services that meet all their needs. The fleet of self-driving vehicles in future plans will also include vehicles suitable for their needs."
Through its smart mobility strategy in Abu Dhabi, the Integrated Transport Centre aims to develop an efficient and sustainable transport sector, utilise modern technology in serving society, enhance the efficiency of the transport system, support the transition to self-driving, intelligent, environmentally sustainable transport modes, contribute to reducing transport costs, elevate the quality of life in Abu Dhabi, and boost its global status as one of the best destinations for living, working, and investing.
Self-driving taxis on Yas Island serve various locations including the Etihad Arena, Yas Beach, Yas Marina, Yas Plaza, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Brothers World Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall, and IKEA Yas Island. While self-driving taxis on Saadiyat Island serve Saadiyat Boardwalk, the Lighthouses, New York University Abu Dhabi, St. Regis Hotel, Saadiyat Beach, Théodore Monod French International High School, Saadiyat Jumeirah Resort, Saadiyat Beach Residences, and the Louvre Museum - Abu Dhabi.
Users can download the TXAI smart app, to reserve and track vehicle services, from the Google Play or Apple App stores.
