With the rapidly changing technology and faster moods of transportation, life has become faster and somewhat easy. To make the dream come true two years ago, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled its vision for flying taxis and this year on display at The annual World Government Summit (WGS) 2019, a platform for presenting new ideas and game-changing technologies, including the future of transportation, are two models of Dubai Sky pods.
The creation was given a royal inspection after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed reviewed the prototypes on a show.
Unibike is the first model of the Dubai Sky pod units, a small-sized, lightweight vehicle that is fitted with steel wheels to move on suspended rails. According to the RTA, the Unibike can accommodate up to five passengers and their luggage. It can travel at a maximum speed of 150km/hr and ferry about 20,000 riders per hour.
The sky pods occupy considerably less area than modes of transport of the same capacity and use five times less power than electric vehicles.
RTA also stated the two pod’s power efficiency is better than electric vehicles and requires less infrastructure than other transit vehicles
The second model is the Unicar, which is designed to carry passengers for a distance up to 200 kilometers. Unicar is slightly longer and wider than the Unibike and can accommodate up to six riders. The Unicar can travel at a maximum speed of 150 km/hr and transport around 50,000 passengers per hour.
The system moves high above the ground along a specially designed network of overpasses, with one model, the high-speed Unibus, carrying 24 passengers at speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour.
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The project is still in its initial stages, as plans for trials have yet to be set. The RTA added that they are working with global labs on trials of innovative transit systems to solve the first and last mile challenges.
Dubai is aiming to convert 25 percent of total journeys in the city into autonomous journeys on various transit means by 2030.
