Dubai’s RTA and BeemCar to develop suspended transport system

His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Chris Heaton-Harris, Minister of State at the Department for Transport, UK, witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between RTA and BeemCar Ltd; developer of sky pods. The signing of this agreement is reportedly going to step up cooperation in developing futuristic mobility solutions through sky pods built on suspended transport technology.

“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 per cent 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,” said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer and the British Minister discussed means of boosting relationships and sharing expertise between RTA and its counterpart in the UK in the field of rail operation, self-driving transport and control systems.

He acquainted the British delegation with RTA’s trials on the autonomous air taxi along with its operational requirements including rules and policies, coordination with federal and local aviation authorities as regards legislations governing air corridors, design and locations of take-off and landing points, and safety standards.

The visiting minister was also briefed about RTA’s soft mobility project for developing an integrated and friendly environment using unconventional transit means like walking, cycling and e-scooter besides addressing the first and last-mile challenges. He also reviewed RTA’s efforts in building cycling lanes extending 425 km; which are expected to rise to 674 km by 2023.

“I am very pleased to attend the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority and BeemCar UK.  This exciting collaboration will evaluate the feasibility of an aerial transit system based on BeemCar’s unique expertise.  This is another example of the UK’s continued commitment to forging partnerships with the UAE across a broad range of innovation and technology,” said Harris.