Cruise self-driving taxis will hit Dubai roads soon. ARCHIVE

All you need to know about self-driving taxis

Dubai is the center of the transportation revolution. Following its exclusive relationship with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) until 2030, US-based Cruise, a General Motors (GM) division, will provide self-driving taxi services. The first batch of 10 self-driving taxis was specially constructed using the Chevrolet Bolt as the foundation, manufactured by GM.

How is self-driving possible?

To proceed along the chosen path and respond to changes, taxis instruct their wheels and other controls. The outcome is a ride that appears natural to other drivers and is safe and effective. The taxis choose the optimum route to their destination by continuously comparing several options every second to account for shifting traffic conditions and other factors.

What is the interior?

The only difference between the interior of the self-driving Cruise taxi and a standard Chevy Bolt sedan, according to Cruise, is the steering wheel. One tablet is in the front, and two are in the back of the car. One of the tablets in the back, which also displays the map and provides ride updates, allows passengers to start their journey. Additionally, an assistance button that may be pressed to contact Cruise support is on the ceiling. With more than 40 sensors, Cruise self-driving taxis can view 360 degrees up to hundreds of feet in the distance and navigate around two parked cars. They have a variety of sensors, including LiDAR (a laser sensor that detects the forms of objects using near-infrared light), cameras, and radars to gauge object distance. The sensors provide data on everything in the immediate area, including vehicles, bikes, pedestrians, autos, signs, and more.

Can it predict incoming vehicles and people?

Cruise autonomous taxis detect, predict, and handle the movement of humans, animals, and others. The AV instructs the wheels and additional controls, such as the throttle, brake, and steering, how to proceed along this path, accelerating or decelerating in response to environmental changes. The company claims that the AVs pick up new skills with each mile they go and get better.

Can it change lanes?

Every second, cruise cars evaluate numerous pathways, choosing the best ones to account for unforeseen circumstances and changes in the state of the road.

Is the fare costly?

“Fare is not yet finalized, but it will be comparable to what is currently charged by limo taxis, which are usually 30 percent higher than traditional taxis in Dubai. The self-driving taxi can seat up to three passengers at the back, with no passenger allowed in front,” said Khaled Al Awadhi, director of Transportation Systems, Public Transport Agency at RTA. KD/Expat Media
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