Today's Edition
HALA AL KHAYAT (ABU DHABI)
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi, has so far established 300 electric charging stations in the Emirate, laying necessary infrastructure for the use of electric vehicles and enhancing the intelligent transportation journey.
The ITC reported that the number of electric vehicles registered in Abu Dhabi so far has reached 6,500, and the number is increasing as many residents of the Emirate turn to using electric vehicles.
The ITC also provided 15 electric charging stations to serve autonomous transportation vehicles on both Yas and Saadiyat islands, which currently includes a fleet of 17 self-driving vehicles, operating under the brand name TXAI, within a network of routes distributed across various locations on the two islands, in addition to providing the self-driving Mini Robobus service.
The charging stations also serve the Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) system on Yas Island, which is an electrically powered mass transit system resembling a tram, but without rails.
Providing electric charging stations is part of implementing the sustainable transport strategy adopted by the ITC, which is based on several main pillars including the use of clean energy sources in public transport as alternatives to traditional fuel to protect the environment, establishing smart shared mobility projects and the supporting infrastructure and legislation, as well as providing a modern, safe, smart, and sustainable transport system that benefits society and does not harm public health.
This is alongside supporting the goals of the DMT related to urban planning and sustainable transportation in cities, which enhances sustainable economic development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
To date, 30 vehicles, including 25 private limousine taxis and five public taxis run entirely on electric power within the taxi fleet, while the ITC plans to increase this percentage in the coming period to enhance environmental sustainability.
