‘Jet-like’ transport pods coming to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
Miral and skyTran ink MoU for elevated transport system, which will eventually connect with Abu Dhabi International Airport
Developer Miral has announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US-based skyTran, a NASA Space Act company, for the study and implementation of a personal rapid transit (PRT) system on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
The system, also known as skyTran, is computer controlled and is a two-person “jet-like” vehicle that uses skyTran Magnetic Levitation (STML) technology instead of wheels.
The patented high-speed, low-cost, elevated PRT system, will have cars running above traffic along magnetic lines from one destination to another across the island and eventually aims to connect the current and future destinations on Yas Island to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Mohamed Abdulla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral commented on the MoU saying: “Innovation remains at the heart of what we do on Yas Island. While we continue to build world-class destinations and expand Yas Island, it is imperative that we are able to implement an urban transportation solution which is not only energy efficient but also adds another level of excitement to our visitors’ experiences. With skyTran, we have a partner who not only shares our vision for innovation in Abu Dhabi, but are developing a service which will transform the Yas Island experience, and grow our appeal to the millions of residents and tourists who visit us from the UAE and across the world.”
Jerry Sanders, CEO of skyTran, said: “skyTran truly is a smart transportation solution for smart cities and we are proud to be able to bring this path-breaking technology to the Middle East for the first time. With our access to NASA’s cutting-edge technology and expertise, we are able to introduce a solution on Yas Island which paves the way for Abu Dhabi to define the Middle East’s innovative mode of transport for the future.”
Yas Island in Abu Dhabi currently attracts over 25 million visitors every year and is home to attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit. Its visitor footprint is expected to touch 30 million in 2018 with the opening of the Warner Bros. theme park.
