Abra rides in Dubai aren’t just a means of transport, but it’s part of the cultural heritage, as this traditional mode of transport has been part of the emirate for ages. And for the first time, the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is now running a trial operation of the first self-driving electric Abras. Here’s all you need to know about this fantastic development.
RTA Runs A Trial For Autonomous Electric Abras
It was manufactured locally at RTA’s Al Garhoud Marine Maintenance Centre, featuring a design that preserve the heritage identity of abras. pic.twitter.com/kHTdJzg2lJ
— RTA (@rta_dubai) May 14, 2023
Manufactured locally at the Al Garhoud Marine Maintenance Centre of the RTA, this is the first Autonomous Electric Abra. It boasts a capacity of carrying eight riders at a time and the design is such, that it preserves the heritage identity of the abras. According to the information released by the Dubai Media Office, the initial journey of this Abra covered the distance between Al Jaddaf Station and the Festival City Station, on the Dubai Creek.
As it happens, his Excellency, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, said that this Autonomous Electric Abra will help in contributing towards Dubai’s master plan of reducing carbon emissions of public transport. As it happens, it also aims to achieve Dubai‘s strategy for self-driving transport. Yes, the goal is to convert 25% of the total mobility journeys in Dubai into self-driving journeys by 2030.
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What Are The Features Of These Driverless Abras?
In order to reinforce Dubai`s smart and sustainable infrastructure of the transport network, The trial operation of the ‘First Autonomous Electric Abra’, Which is one of the world`s first marine trials in passenger transport. pic.twitter.com/zfTLj0ENe7
— RTA (@rta_dubai) May 14, 2023
These Autonomous Electric Abras have lower operating and maintenance costs by 30%, and of course, there is an elimination of noise. Equipped with two electric motors, the abras have a maximum speed of seven knots. It’s worth mentioning that these Abras ensure a 100% adherence to predetermined lines as per the effects of the waves and winds. So, with the plan of increasing the capacity of Abra stations by 33%, there will also be improved lighting of the stations and marinas.
Isn’t it an exciting development? We can certainly see ourselves embarking on these autonomous electric abras.
Cover Image Courtesy: Twitter/rta_dubai