Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has initiated a period of data collection and testing of Cruise’s autonomous vehicles.
Throughout testing, the technology will be observed in relation to Dubai’s traffic signals, signage and driver behaviours using five Chevy Bolt autonomous vehicles in the Jumeirah 1 area.
Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA, said:Data collection and testing is a crucial phase in Dubai's quest for excellence in smart mobility and advanced technology. The work being done will ensure Cruise’s advanced generalisable AI and autonomous driving systems safely adapt to Dubai traffic conditions.
The launch of autonomous vehicles will bring a positive impact on Dubai’s transportation landscape and wellbeing. It will facilitate the integration between transportation and communication systems by streamlining the mobility of mass transit users and their arrival to their final destinations.
RTA plans to deploy 4,000 autonomous ride-hailing vehicles by 2030, which will make Dubai the first city outside the US to commercialise Cruise’s self-driving cars.
It is anticipated that the rollout of autonomous vehicles will alleviate traffic congestion, lower the number of traffic accidents and reduce harmful emissions.
