Dubai Plans Eco-Friendly Trackless Trams in 8 Locations

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is assessing the launch of “trackless trams” at eight locations across the city. These trams would operate autonomously on dedicated, virtual lanes guided by painted lines, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional rail systems.

With a top speed of 70 km/h and a range of up to 100 km per charge, each three-carriage tram can carry 300 passengers, making them a sustainable, cost-effective option for public transport. This initiative marks the 10th anniversary of the Dubai Tram and aligns with the city’s broader vision for a high-tech, AI-driven future.

Expanding Public Transport and Infrastructure

The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, reviewed the RTA’s Dh16-billion Main Roads Development Plan for 2024-2027, which includes 22 key projects aimed at improving infrastructure. These initiatives are expected to benefit over 2.2 million daily commuters, with expansions in road networks, public transport options, and shared mobility solutions.

In addition, Dubai is set to introduce autonomous buses designed for “first and last-mile” transport, connecting major transit hubs with neighborhoods. These self-driving buses will run at a safe speed of 40 km/h and are part of Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2030.

Dedicated Lanes for Buses and Taxis

The RTA plans to extend dedicated lanes for buses and taxis across six new routes, adding 13 km to the current network by 2026. These lanes are expected to reduce bus travel times by 41%, boost ridership by 10%, and enhance public transport reliability while helping to ease traffic.

Over the next decade, these dedicated lanes are projected to contribute Dh2.3 billion in economic benefits, supporting Dubai’s goals for autonomous and electric-powered transit.

Smart Cycling and Enhanced Safety Measures

Dubai’s smart cycling infrastructure is also expanding, with cycling tracks now spanning 557 km, designed to handle around 44 million bike trips annually. The new Smart Cycling Tracks Scanning Initiative uses specialized vehicles to survey up to 120 km of cycling paths in under four hours, optimizing maintenance and safety.

Furthering safety, the RTA introduced a “Green Road” system to monitor over 1,300 public buses in real time, tracking driver behaviors like sharp turns, sudden braking, and lane changes. This system has led to a 54% improvement in road safety.