Dubai is considering the introduction of a cutting-edge, driverless smart train and a solar-powered rail bus system. These initiatives were propelled forward on Thursday when the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with leading international companies at the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF).
Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, the CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, emphasized in a Khaleej Times report the importance of these agreements as part of RTA’s strategic initiative to collaborate with top-tier firms and adopt advanced practices in transportation.
The first MoU, signed with the UK-based Urban.Mass, aims to develop the Floc Duo Rail system. This innovative transport solution features driverless, electric-powered pods that operate on an elevated track system designed for quick and efficient urban transit. The system boasts a flexible design, scalable from local neighborhoods to city-wide networks, and is notably eco-friendly with its solar-powered operations and smart capacity management.
Urban.Mass highlighted the system’s swift installation, minimal environmental footprint, and the ability to transport between 1,000 and 16,000 passengers per hour in each direction, making it suitable for cities with populations ranging from 200,000 to 10 million.
Ricky Sandhu, founder and CEO of Urban.Mass, lauded the partnership with RTA as a testament to the shared commitment of the UK and the UAE to tackle climate change and revolutionize urban mobility.
The second MoU, signed with the US-based Rail Bus Inc., focuses on a solar-powered rail bus system. This system features small, driverless electric vehicles that operate on elevated tracks, integrating seamlessly into various urban environments. Highlighted for its eco-friendliness and operational efficiency, the system is also cost-effective, with its infrastructure costing significantly less than traditional metro systems of the same capacity.
Hatim Ibrahim, CEO of Rail Bus Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with RTA, viewing it as a stride towards setting new sustainable mobility standards tailored to Dubai’s unique landscape and a step closer to a greener future.