Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is studying the feasibility of implementing a trackless tram system in eight locations across the emirate, according to Chairman Mattar Al Tayer. The initiative aims to expand modern, autonomous, and environmentally friendly transportation options within the city.
The proposed trams will operate on “virtual tracks,” utilizing cameras to follow painted lines on dedicated lanes. This approach offers potential cost and time savings compared to traditional tram systems, eliminating the need for permanent rail infrastructure. The system is envisioned to function similarly to buses, with designated pick-up and drop-off stations along specific routes utilizing smart navigation technologies.
Each trackless tram is projected to have a capacity of 300 passengers across three carriages, with a top speed of 70 kilometers per hour and an operational speed ranging from 25 to 60 kilometers per hour. A single charge is expected to allow the trams to travel up to 100 kilometers, offering a significant range for urban transport.
Alongside the trackless tram project, the RTA plans to expand dedicated lanes for buses and taxis throughout Dubai over the next two years. Six new corridors, totaling 13 kilometers in length, will be implemented in 2025 and 2026, bringing the total length of dedicated bus and taxi lanes to 20 kilometers. This expansion is anticipated to increase bus ridership by 10 percent, improve on-time performance by 42 percent, and reduce bus journey times by 41 percent.
The new 13-kilometer lanes will run along six key roads: Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street, 2nd of December Street, Al Satwa, Al Nahda, Omar bin Al Khattab Street, and Naif Street. These lanes will be clearly marked with a distinctive color to prevent unauthorized use by private vehicles. Motorists found driving in the dedicated lanes will face a fine of 600 dirhams.
The announcement of these transportation initiatives comes as Dubai experiences significant growth in public transport usage. In the past year, a total of 80.2 million people utilized the city’s metro, tram, bus, and marine transport services. Al Tayer emphasized the RTA’s commitment to deploying innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance customer satisfaction.
The RTA is also addressing increasing vehicle numbers in Dubai, which have risen by 10 percent over the last two years. The road development plan, toll adjustments, parking fees, and restrictions on large vehicles are all part of a broader strategy to improve traffic flow and manage congestion. The authority is also considering various measures, including adjustments to work schedules in government and private sectors, to further alleviate traffic pressures.
The trackless tram project builds upon Dubai’s existing tram network, which celebrated its tenth anniversary earlier this month. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, directed the RTA to study the implementation of the trackless tram system following a visit to the RTA headquarters. He acknowledged the RTA team’s dedication to pioneering AI-driven solutions and empowering national talent to lead this transformation, stating, “Dubai will continue to expand its infrastructure, driving accelerated growth and enriching the lives of its people.”
The potential implementation of trackless trams in eight locations represents a significant step towards Dubai’s vision of a sustainable and technologically advanced transportation system. The project aims to address growing urban congestion while providing an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to traditional modes of transport. The RTA’s ongoing investments in public transport infrastructure underscore Dubai’s commitment to providing world-class transportation options for its residents and visitors.
