Dubai Smart Autonomous Mobility Strategy plans to convert a quarter of the journeys in Dubai into driverless journeys by 2030. To this end, RTA, in collaboration with Virgin HyperLoop One, is working towards introducing a revolutionary, high-speed transportation system named Hyperloop in Dubai. ServiceMarket has put together everything you need to know about Hyperloop Dubai.
Thank you Elon Musk
While the idea of such a transportation system has been around for a while, with George Medhurst patenting an air propulsion tube transportation system back in 1799, it wasn’t until Elon Musk open-sourced the blueprints of his hyperloop technology in 2013 that the concept started receiving the attention, manpower, and financial backing it deserves.
So far
Five years down the road, we can see tangible progress. Numerous competing versions have sprouted in a race to link cities at faster speeds than ever seen before. In their last test run in December, Virgin HyperLoop One’s pod reached a speed of about 390 kilometers per hour and was fully functional. In theory, the transport system should be able to reach speeds of 1200 kilometer per hour and slash travel time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi down to 12 minutes. However, even speeds close to 400 kilometer per hour are pretty amazing considering the highest speed an airplane can reach is 800 kilometers per hour and a bullet train 200 kilometers per hour.
Pod prototype
The technology uses electromagnetic propulsion to move hyperloop pods containing passengers and goods through a low pressure tube. The initial design of the Dubai Hyperloop Pod was unveiled at the UAE Innovation Exhibition last month as part of RTA’s participation. It had a futuristic feel with luxurious leather seats, a stunning interior and high definition infotainment screens. RTA also showcased high-frequency express buses, other self-driving pods and Urban Mobility Innovation Index at the exhibition.
The impact
Besides the technology changing the face of the transport sector and affecting airplane manufacturers and train operators the world over, it is expected to heavily impact town planning. Apart from the UAE, other countries that have entered into feasibility studies with Virgin Hyperloop One include Russia, India and Saudi Arabia. The biggest advantage of this technology is the amount of time it will save for commuters. On top of that, since the transportation system will be fully autonomous, pilot error will be eliminated making it a safer alternative to driving on the road. It will also help tackle congestion as it can transport 10,000 passengers in one hour in both directions between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It will also eliminate the need for parking spaces. Pretty exciting, no?
Carbon free
Other benefits include no direct emissions or noise, energy efficiency and a smaller civil engineering footprint. While Elon Musk’s design includes the pods being powered by solar energy, the pods can be powered by any energy source. The entire system can be 100 percent carbon free, however, if it is indeed powered just by renewable energy sources like wind or solar.
What’s next?
Phase 2 of the collaboration between RTA and Virgin Hyperloop One includes developing a wider hyperloop network in the UAE. Imagine the convenience of traveling between different emirates in a matter of minutes!
The hyperloop transport system might be operational within the next five years. Till it is, drive safe and make sure you have adequate car insurance coverage. ServiceMarket partners with reputable car insurance companies in Dubai to bring you free quotes!
