The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled two models of the Sky Pods capable of travel at 150 km per hour at the ongoing World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai, UAE.

The mobility system is being tested in conjunction with Skyway Greentech Co.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inspected the Sky Pods on the sidelines of WGS in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation.

Sheikh Mohammed attended a briefing by Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the RTA about the Sky Pod models. The system occupies considerably less area than conventional systems of the same capacity. It is also characterised by higher power efficiency as it uses five times less power than electric vehicles.

“The first model of the Sky Pods is the Unibike; which is characterised by its small size and lightweight. It moves on steel wheels on a hanging railway. It combines the features of a high-performance electric vehicle and sports and recreational features. It is fitted with electric systems for driving the pod. It can be fitted with a power generator such as the Bicycle Dynamo, and as such it can be driven by the body mass of passengers on board. It can accommodate two riders and travel at a speed of up to 150 km/h,” said Al Tayer.

“The second model of the Sky Pods is the Unicar. It is designed for long-haul journeys. It features a design compatible with the urban setting and international standards of Dubai. These ultra-modern innovative systems have the potential of enhancing smooth mobility through the construction of an elevated network connecting high-rise buildings. Each pod has a capacity of four to six seated riders and can travel at a speed of 150 km/h.

“The Sky Pods initiative is part of RTA’s efforts to provide autonomous transport, one of the key aims of the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy aimed at converting 25 per cent of total journeys in Dubai into autonomous journeys on various transit means by 2030. It is also part of RTA’s efforts to enhance the integration of public transit means, and offer solutions for short journeys (first and last mile) enabling public transport users to reach their final destinations,” concluded Al Tayer. – TradeArabia News Service