At the recent World Government Summit (WGS), Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) showcased two futuristic models of its Sky Pods, the Unibike and Unicar. These innovative transportation solutions are designed to redefine urban mobility in Dubai, promising efficient, eco-friendly travel.
The Unibike is a compact, lightweight vehicle fitted with steel wheels for operation on suspended rails. Capable of carrying up to five passengers and their luggage, it boasts a top speed of 150 km/h and can transport approximately 20,000 riders each hour.
In contrast, the larger Unicar is designed for longer distances, accommodating up to six passengers with a range of up to 200 kilometers. Like the Unibike, it can reach speeds of 150 km/h but has the capacity to ferry around 50,000 riders per hour.
Both models were initially teased on social media by the RTA in December, highlighting their potential as a highly efficient, autonomous mobility system that requires significantly less infrastructure compared to traditional transit methods. The RTA emphasized that these Sky Pods utilize only a fraction of the land area needed for conventional transportation, being 100 times less demanding while offering five times the power efficiency of electric vehicles.
While the RTA has not yet announced a trial phase for the Sky Pods, it is anticipated that further details will be shared at WGS. Additionally, the RTA is collaborating with global research labs to test innovative transit systems aimed at addressing the first and last mile challenges in urban transportation.
As part of its ambitious plans, the RTA is also developing an autonomous air taxi in partnership with a leading global firm, aiming to enhance the transportation landscape in Dubai while aligning with the government’s vision for sustainable growth and welfare for future generations.
