All you need to know about the Dubai Sky Pod
- Dubai Sky Pod Transport System
- The Journey
- Dubai Sky Pod Stations
- Dubai Sky Pod System Map
- Long Term Benefits
Transportation industries across the world are changing rapidly and investing in cleaner, faster and better means of transport to facilitate the needs of the growing population The UAE government is also striving to stay ahead of the curve, and fulfil the urban transport needs of residents with new innovative technologies. One recent step in that direction is the development of the Dubai Sky Pod Transport System announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Dubai Sky Pod Transport System
The Dubai Sky Pod Transport System (also known as Dubai Sky Pod Transit System) is an initiative taken by the RTA to accomplish the government’s goal of making 25% of public transport in Dubai smart, driverless and automated by 2030. Extensive work has already begun on the project, which is expected to revolutionise the transport network in the city.
Let’s take a look at the progress that has been made so far and how the Dubai Sky Pod Transit System will improve the transport network in the emirate.
All you need to know about the Sky Pod Transport System
Dubai has transformed into a well-known tourist destination and a global business hub in a relatively short time, thanks to the exemplary vision of its great rulers and early adoption of modern technology. The Public transport network in Dubai is one of the best in the world, efficiently connecting residents across most areas of the emirate. However, with the increasing population, the pressure on public services has also increased. Hence, all governmental bodies in the emirate have been working closely to stay one step ahead of the curve and bring in regular innovation to the system.
The Sky Pod Transport System Project has been under discussion for some time. After evaluating the various options and proposals sent in by leading urban planning companies around the world, the RTA has awarded a British company, Beem Car, the prestigious contract to work on the project.
The Dubai Sky Pod system will essentially feature high-speed cable car style transportation, which can avoid the usual road congestions. A much simpler version of it is currently operational in hill stations as a tourist attraction. Sky Pods that will be used in Dubai have been defined as a cross between the traditional ‘ski lift’ and a monorail.
The four-seater driverless pod’s external dimensions will measure 2 m wide x 2.5 m long x 2 m high. All four seats will be forward-facing, arranged in two-tiered rows. The rear seats would be higher, so people can enjoy the same views as the passengers seated on the front row.
The pods would also be suspended in the air above the road from a hollow lightweight beam. It has also been revealed that the beam will be located 7.5 metres above the ground. At all times, however, the pod will remain horizontal to ensure a smooth journey.
The Dubai Sky Pod would be powered by linear motors (providing the thrust) and the braking system. While the pods work independently, they are programmed to synchronise operations as well. Hence, if one pod stops in the beam, all pods will become stationary. The total journey will be around fifty kilometres.
The top speed achieved would be 30mph or 50 km/hr. All pods have climate controllers, so whether it’s a sunny day or the sky is pouring down, temperatures inside the pod will remain pleasant because of the inbuilt air-conditioning and heating system.
Your Journey on a Dubai Sky Pod
Passengers will board the pods at the ground level stops. Once aboard, the pod will move up to the main beam where there is a slot between the other pods. Passengers will be able to enter their destination using the touch screen. At all times, passengers will be facing forwards. When the pod reaches a passenger’s destination, it will descend to the ground level and allow the individual to drop off.
Facilities will be made available to ensure that passengers on wheelchairs, mobility scooter users and bicycles pushchairs can come on board.
Dubai Sky Pod Stations
As per the announced plan, there will be a total of 21 Dubai Sky Pod Stations and it will accommodate over 8,400 passengers per hour in one direction.
Dubai Sky Pod Transport System Map
The official Dubai Sky Pod Transport System Map shows that it will link Business Bay to Al Wasl covering areas like DIFC, Burj Khalifa, Marasi Drive, Bay Avenue, Sheikh Zayed Road, City Walk, Al Wasl district and the Coca-Cola Arena.
How will the Dubai Sky Pod Transport System be Beneficial for the Emirate?
The obvious advantage of having this new transport system is that residents can easily avoid traffic. Furthermore, introducing sky pods would ease the burden on other public transportation modes like buses and the Dubai Metro.
One can also expect a reduction in pollution, which in turn can help the city achieve its lofty sustainability goals.
Installing a sky pod station would also require less space. In an urban environment, especially in a city like Dubai, even small spaces are difficult to find and this additional land can then be used to build cycling, jogging or walking pathways.
In terms of numbers, the automation drive involving the Sky Pod Transportation System can reduce costs tremendously. According to early estimates, this project will lead to a 44% reduction in the overall transportation cost. This roughly translates to savings of a whopping AED 900 million per year. Moreover, it will also reduce pollution by 12%, which means saving at least AED 1.5 billion per year. Sky Pods consume five times less electricity than the electric vehicles out there on the market. Hence, they are environment-friendly too.
Beside Sky Pods Dubai there are other driverless transportation projects are also being worked on. The Dubai-Abu Dhabi Hyperloop One would be a game-changing innovation in the transportation industry. RTA flying cars is another similar initiative.
While these benefits are for the overall campaign, the Sky Pod system will be an important milestone in achieving that target. In a nutshell, the residents in Dubai will benefit from this project in the long run.
What are they saying?
His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA said that this project will help provide a solution to riders.
“The signing of the agreement is part of RTA’s efforts to deploy autonomous transit means in line with the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy aimed at diverting 25% of total mobility journeys in Dubai to autonomous transit means by 2030. The move corresponds to RTA’s efforts to enhance the integration of mass transit modes, and offer a solution to the first and last-mile challenge; which helps riders reach their final destinations.”
As for the project’s completion, no timeline has been revealed as yet. However, given the history of innovative projects in Dubai, we expect it to finish in record time. When complete, sky pods not only will make the life of Dubai residents easier, but they will also make the commute more pleasant. This hi-tech transport system will allow residents to enjoy views of Dubai from the sky. And after a long day at work, it would definitely be a refreshing experience.
We can expect this service to be available in a few years. For now, as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, you have to be careful and follow all government instructions. Most public transport services have been temporarily suspended due to coronavirus. And whenever you travel, make sure you follow public transport travel tips to ensure everyone’s safety.
Visit MyBayut to read about all the government’s initiatives taken in the recent past to improve the standard of living in Dubai.
The cover image belongs to the Dubai Media Office Twitter account.
