If you’ve ever wanted to ride in a car with no one behind the wheel, well, now you can! Dubai has officially opened its autonomous taxi service to the public. And residents and visitors can now experience the city’s futuristic transport network for just AED 5! Operating in just a few areas for now, these self-driving taxis are no longer just a trial. They’re officially carrying passengers. If you’re ready to lay your lives at the wheels of a driverless car, then keep reading for everything you need to know!
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Driverless Taxis Now Available For Just AED 5
Dubai’s autonomous taxis are now open for public bookings across parts of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. And each ride currently costs just AED 5. The service is being offered through a partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Apollo Go. So residents and tourists have the chance to experience self-driving technology at an affordable introductory fare. The taxis were initially available free of charge during the pilot phase, allowing passengers to test the technology before the paid rollout.
How To Book A Ride
Booking a driverless taxi is quick and straightforward. Currently, bookings are only available through the Apollo Go app. However, access is expected to expand to Bolt and other ride-hailing platforms as the service grows. All you need to do is:
- Download the Apollo Go app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Register your account.
- And request a ride within the available service zones in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
There’s More Driverless Cars On The Way!
Can’t catch a ride just yet? The autonomous taxi fleet will start with around 50 vehicles in its first year of operation. Gradually, they plan to expand to more than 1,000 vehicles over the coming years. The service is being operated by Dubai Taxi Company in partnership with Baidu through its Apollo Go ride-hailing platform.
Are The Driverless Taxis Safe? Everything To Know About Their Extensive Testing
Before you panic, here’s what you need to know. Prior to opening to the public, the autonomous vehicles went through months of testing. These tests assess their safety, reliability and day-to-day performance. Then, earlier this year, Apollo Go became the first company in Dubai to receive approval to test fully autonomous vehicles without a safety driver inside the car. Simultaneously, the company also launched Apollo Go Park to support the management and operation of its growing local fleet. The Dubai Taxi Company will oversee the autonomous fleet using its existing operational and monitoring systems.
The Big Picture – A Smarter Mobility Vision
The rollout is another major step towards Dubai’s long-term transport goals. The city aims to make 25% of all journeys across the Emirate autonomous by 2030 as part of the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy. Globally, Apollo Go has already completed more than 20 million rides. Their autonomous vehicles cover over 300 million kilometres, including more than 190 million kilometres without a safety driver! Senior authorities also encouraged residents to give the new service a try. They highlight that your next journey could be in a fully autonomous vehicle and invite the public to experience the technology firsthand. Now, who doesn’t want to experience a drive without a driver?!
Soon, more driverless taxis are set to hit Dubai’s roads in the coming years. This means futuristic travel is quickly becoming part of everyday life. If you’re curious to see how the technology works or simply want to say you’ve ridden in a car with no driver, this is your budget-friendly chance to give it a go. And, as always, keep following Gulf Buzz for more of the coolest updates and everything happening around the UAE.
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