Smart Mobility Project in Abu Dhabi
The capital emirate is home to some of the most exclusive residential developments and commercial real estate in the region. A year ago, the Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) launched an AI-powered Smart Mobility Project that makes it easier for residents and visitors to commute within Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. Here is a look at the sustainability project and how it has been launched.
ITC Smart Mobility Strategy: Yas Island and Saadiyat Island
.@ITCAbuDhabi, part of @AbuDhabiDMT and in collaboration with @Bayanatg42, supports #AbuDhabi‘s strategy to implement smart eco-friendly transformation of public transport via the Smart Mobility Project operating on Yas and Saadiyat islands. pic.twitter.com/3oH06tDB8w
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) December 21, 2022
The Smart Mobility Project was launched as a collaborative initiative between the ITC, Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and Bayanat, which specialises in geospatial intelligence. It comes as part of the capital’s efforts to introduce more smart and eco-friendly transport solutions and reduce its carbon footprint.
The ITC Smart Mobility phase two launch in 2022 featured 17 vehicles. These included:
- Eight autonomous Robo Taxis
- Six Robo Minibuses
- Three Automatic Rapid Transit vehicles
The bus service is free and makes strategic stops at certain locations in the emirate like Yas Water World and Ferrari World. To this effect, several charging stations have been installed throughout Saadiyat Island and Yas Island to facilitate the vehicles.
The smart vehicles are branded as Txai, a play on the word taxi. Customers can download the TXAI mobile app to book a taxi. Bayanat has mapped the UAE as part of an ongoing effort to introduce driverless vehicles in the country.
The introduction of sustainable modes of transportation are all part of the UAE’s upcoming transportation strategies.
Pilot Phase of ART launched
A pilot phase of Automated Rapid Transport was launched in October 2023 by the ITC — made up of 25 stations on a 27 km route. At the moment, the service runs from Al Reem mall to Marina Mall before passing Zayed the First Street and Corniche Street.
FAQs about Smart Mobility Project in Abu Dhabi
What is the UAE Smart Mobility Strategy?
The purpose of the Smart Mobility Strategy in Abu Dhabi is to work towards a sustainable transport sector that uses latest technologies to make commutes more efficient.
What are public transport options in the capital?
The public transport service in Abu Dhabi includes buses, cars, autonomous vehicles, robo buses and ferries.
That concludes our coverage on the Smart Mobility Project in Abu Dhabi. The UAE has taken several measures to reduce its carbon footprint. It is hoped that the move towards smart mobility will aid the UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative.
(Cover image credit: WeRide)
