Dubai: Dubai has launched a four-week trial of an innovative driverless transport system designed to carry passengers along dedicated routes, away from conventional road traffic. The Glydways automated transit system uses compact electric pods that can accommodate up to six passengers and reach speeds of 50km/h.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) began testing the system at Bluewaters on October 11, marking another step in Dubai’s efforts to introduce advanced, sustainable mobility solutions.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, inaugurated the trial with a five-minute ride in one of the autonomous pods along a designated route.

On-Demand Travel Without Fixed Schedules

The Glydways system uses small electric vehicles that operate on narrow, dedicated guideways, which can be constructed at ground level or elevated above it. Unlike conventional public transport, the pods are designed to provide direct, on-demand journeys without requiring passengers to follow fixed departure schedules.

Each vehicle can accommodate four to six passengers and travel up to 250 kilometres on a single battery charge. Passengers can also personalise the air conditioning and entertainment settings inside the pods.

The system is designed to operate around the clock, offering flexible transport options for short urban journeys.

AI-Powered Technology for Safe Navigation

The autonomous pods rely on artificial intelligence, sensors, radar and cameras to navigate their routes without human drivers.

Each vehicle is equipped with 20 high-resolution LiDAR sensors, along with radar and high-definition cameras, to monitor its surroundings and support safe movement.

The technology can virtually connect more than 10 vehicles, maintaining intervals of less than one second between them. This approach is intended to increase passenger capacity while ensuring efficient movement along dedicated guideways.

According to the RTA, the system is designed to transport more than 20,000 passengers per hour in both directions combined.

The authority also highlighted the system’s potential economic benefits, with capital costs estimated to be up to 90 per cent lower and operating costs up to 70 per cent lower than those of comparable transport systems.

What Will the Four-Week Trial Assess?

The trial will evaluate the performance of the autonomous pods under operational conditions, focusing on safety, reliability and passenger experience.

Key areas of assessment include:

• Autonomous driving capabilities and vehicle navigation.
• Sensor performance and environmental monitoring.
• Communication and control systems.
• Journey times and the efficiency of movement along dedicated routes.
• Ease of use and the overall passenger experience.

The results will help the RTA assess the technology’s readiness and determine its potential for wider implementation across Dubai.

RTA Highlights Commitment to Innovation

Mattar Al Tayer said the RTA was committed to turning promising transport innovations into practical applications by testing and evaluating new technologies within Dubai’s urban environment.

Before taking the demonstration ride, Al Tayer attended a presentation alongside Glydways founder and Co-CEO Mark Seeger and Co-CEO and Chief Technology Officer Blake Barber.

He also visited the system’s control centre, where officials explained how the pods are monitored and managed along dedicated guideways and outlined the technologies supporting safe operations.

Partnership Supports Dubai’s Future Mobility Plans

The trial follows a cooperation agreement between the RTA and Glydways to develop Dubai’s first automated transit network programme of its kind.

Dubai Holding is also participating in the initiative, supporting preparations for the testing environment, infrastructure and operations at Bluewaters.

The four-week pilot is expected to provide valuable insights into how compact, autonomous electric vehicles could complement Dubai’s existing public transport network and support the emirate’s long-term mobility ambitions.