Abu Dhabi Transport expands the commercial operation of the self-driving taxi service on Yas Island

The Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Transport), affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, under the supervision of the Intelligent Autonomous Systems Council, expanded the existing commercial operation of the self-driving taxi service on Yas Island, in cooperation with the “Apollo Go” company, a subsidiary of the Chinese “Baidu” company, and the local operator of the service, “Autogo” company, a subsidiary of “K2” Company, as a new additional operator in the system, as part of the plan to gradually expand self-driving transportation services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in a way that enhances the diversity of operators and raises the readiness. Operational system.

This step comes after the operator successfully completed the testing phases and operational trials on Yas Island, and moved to the stage of commercial operation of level 4 self-driving taxis, with the aim of expanding the scope of its services later to include Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, and Saadiyat Island. The service can be requested via the AutoGo smart application for mobile phones.

The Integrated Transport Center confirmed that this expansion embodies its pivotal role in adopting smart mobility solutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, by providing regulatory and operational frameworks, and ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety and efficiency, in line with the emirate’s vision of building a smart, integrated and sustainable transportation system.

Hamad Adel Al Afifi, Executive Director of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Sector at the Integrated Transport Center, said: “The joining of a new operator for the commercial operation of self-driving taxis in the region represents a pivotal step within the Center’s efforts to organize and develop the smart and sustainable mobility system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This joining confirms the emirate’s position as a leading and attractive destination for advanced technologies, in addition to the readiness of the regulatory and operational frameworks that support the commercial operation of Level 4 self-driving vehicles, according to the highest standards of safety and efficiency.”

Walid Al Balushi, Vice President of Strategy at K2, said: “The start of commercial operations reflects our focus on implementation and achieving a sustainable impact in the long term. Providing free rides at this stage enables the public to experience self-mobility as a practical option for daily life, and lays the foundation for the stage of expansion and organized commercial operation.”

It is noteworthy that this qualitative expansion in self-driving transportation services confirms the Integrated Transport Center’s commitment to continuing to develop a future transportation system based on innovation, integration and sustainability, and building strategic partnerships with major international companies, which contributes to accelerating the adoption of smart technologies and achieving a safer and more efficient transportation experience.