Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai has announced the launch of a single app which will enable customers to have access to the entire transit system in Dubai, including air taxis that are now under trials.
The integrated mobility platform, otherwise known as Shail, will be launched at technology show GITEX (which will run from 8-12 October at Dubai World Trade Centre). The app will integrate RTA’s metro, tram, buses, waterbus, and taxis with the transit services of private services in Dubai such as the e-Hail, Uber, and Careem. In a later stage, the platform will include other marine transit services such as limousines, Palm Monorail, and Dubai Trolley.
Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the RTA, said in a statement that the Autonomous Air Taxi (AAT) manufactured by Volocopter and capable of carrying two persons, will also be integrated into the app in the future. Al Tayer revealed that RTA will exhibit the AAT at GITEX, following its recent maiden trial flight as well as a new package of smart services.
Al Tayer added: The launch of this new package of apps and smart services heralds the implementation of the initiative of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world.”
Another exhibit from the RTA will include a smart crossing system which reads pedestrians traffic on the pavement before they cross, and the pedestrian path while they cross. It automatically adjusts the remaining signal time based on that reading to ensure a safe and smooth crossing of the largest possible number of pedestrians.