Dutch technology firm 2getthere has announced that its automated vehicle system that will link Bluewaters Island in Dubai with the city’s network of metro stations has passed its first operational test in simulated desert climate conditions.
#Dubai has invested AED 70.5 billion on improving its road network in the past 10 years@RTA_Dubai pic.twitter.com/zySS0vHJ9O
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 5, 2017
The new transport system, which will have a capacity of 5,000 people per hour per direction, was subjected to three tests in weather conditions such as ‘hot dry’ and ‘hot humid’, with a focus on the performance of the air conditioning system at the vehicles’ maximum (24) passenger capacity.
The test results showed that the battery-powered vehicles are able to maintain an indoor temperature of 23°C even in the worst-case scenario (52°C outside temperature and 3 percent humidity).
The extreme climate test is one in a long line of tests regarding the order the Utrecht-based company received from Dubai earlier this year.
From 2020, 25 vehicles will perform fully autonomous shuttle services to and from Bluewaters Island in Dubai, the company said.
Home to Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel in the world, Bluewaters is a destination under construction 500 metres off the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) coastline.
It will feature a collection of townhouses, penthouses and apartments; retail and dining experiences and two hotels, linked to the shore by a multi-modal transport system ensuring easy access to the island.
The automatic transport system will fit into Dubai’s objective to have 25 percent of all trips completed by automated systems by 2035.
2getthere said the most extreme situation tested was based on the vehicle standing still with the doors opened for six minutes.
“The results of the climatic chamber test exceed all expectations based on 2getthere’s specifications,” the company added.
According to 2getthere, the successful climate test marks yet another step towards the operational deployment of the system, which has been scheduled for 2019/2020. More
BLUEWATERS ISLAND APM
Home to Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel in the world, Bluewaters is a destination under construction 500 metres (1,600 ft) off the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) coastline, opposite The Beach and near Dubai Marina. Public transit to the reclaimed island is realized by an Automated People Mover System connecting to the Nakheel Harbour station of the Dubai Metro. The Bluewaters Island APM will feature 25 automated GRT vehicles capable of carrying 24 passengers each.
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The APM system will connect two stations approximately 2.6 kilometers apart. The capacity will initially be 3,750 people per hour per direction, with the possibility to increase the capacity to 5,000 pphpd. The trip time will be approximately 4.5 minutes. The energy of the battery operated vehicles will be topped-off during the stops at stations, with a 10 minute recharge being required every 1.5 hours. The application is the first to feature 2getthere’s 3rd generation Group Rapid Transit vehicle.
VISION 2030
The solution is a perfect fit with the Autonomous Transport Strategy as a pillar to achieve a sustainable economy for the UAE, as announced by Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The automated vehicles have a great appeal and will encourage more people to visit Bluewaters Island by public transit. As such it contributes to the goal of 25 percent of all trips to be done by driverless vehicles by 2030.
