Dutch firm wins Dubai automated bus contract
2getthere joint venture to deliver transport system linking Bluewaters island with metro system
A Dutch technology company says it has won a contract to deliver an automated vehicle system that will connect Dubai’s Bluewaters island to the city’s metro network.
2getthere said the system will feature 25 driverless Group Rapid Transit (GRT) vehicles capable of carrying 24 passengers each, connecting stations on the island with the Nakheel Harbour & Tower metro station, with the route spanning about 2.5 km.
The capacity will initially be 3,350 people per hour per direction, with the possibility to increase to 5,000 people per hour per direction. The trip time will be approximately 4.5 minutes.
The automated vehicle link is “set to become the largest of its kind in the world and is considered an example of the future of autonomous transport solutions,” 2getthere said in a statement.
The company is also behind the futuristic automated ‘pod’ transport system in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.
2getthere said it will realize the Dubai project through its Middle East joint venture with United Technical Services.
The contract fits Dubai’s objective to have 25% of all trips completed by automated systems by 2035, 2getthere said.
“We believed from the start that our system and technology provided the best fit for the application. It is rewarding to be under contract. The award of the project clearly shows the increased interest in 2getthere’s systems throughout the Middle East,” said 2getthere CEO Carel van Helsdingen.
The under-construction Bluewaters island will be home to Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel, and numerous other leisure attractions.
