Robo-bus to Start Operating in Dubai before 2030
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that it will begin trial Robo-bus operations on the emirate’s streets next year.
Based on the results of these trial runs and feasibility studies, the official launch date for these buses to serve passengers will be determined.
With the aim to have them operational before 2030.
Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at the Public Transport Agency within the RTA, stated that:
“Buses are among the key modes of transport the RTA is focusing on as Dubai moves towards future mobility, including autonomous transportation.”
He noted that the authority has formed partnerships and agreements with two companies:
One French and the other Chinese—to implement this project.
The necessary standards to test the Robo-bus service on Dubai’s roads are currently under development, with trials expected to begin in 2025.
Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport
Speaking on the sidelines of the 30th International Conference and Exhibition on Intelligent Transport Systems.
Al Awadhi explained that the introduction of robo-buses comes after significant advancements in the relevant technologies.
This progress was observed following the launch of “Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport”.
Where global companies showcased the latest technological advancements in this field.
Although the development in bus systems is not as advanced as that of Robo-taxis, which attract more attention from companies.
Ongoing trials and studies will help refine the technologies and establish the standards required for autonomous buses.
Not Only Autonomous But Also Electric
Al Awadhi expects the buses to initially operate on designated routes, as Dubai already has dedicated bus lanes.
The Robo-bus service will use the same infrastructure as the current public buses.
Benefiting from existing routes and integrated stations with other modes of transportation.
He also mentioned that in the coming period, they will establish electric charging stations.
As these buses will not only be autonomous but also electric.
This initiative is currently under progress, worked on by the Dubai government, represented by the RTA in collaboration with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
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One of the challenges in deploying Robo-bus service is the limited number of companies working in this field.
In addition to the buses’ size, which makes maneuvering through roads more challenging compared to smaller vehicles.
This requires longer testing periods, the development of technologies, and the establishment of multiple standards to ensure their safe operation.
