Dubai’s new trackless tram to be connected to Metro, will ease road congestion

Dubai is poised to introduce a groundbreaking trackless tram system, designed to alleviate road congestion and enhance the city’s public transportation network. The project, spearheaded by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2026. This innovative system will integrate seamlessly with the existing Dubai Metro, marking a significant step towards Dubai’s ambitious goal of making 25% of its transportation smart and driverless by 2030. Dawood Alrais, Director of Rail Maintenance at RTA’s Rail Agency, emphasized the system’s potential to support the city’s growing population and reduce environmental impact. Unlike traditional trams, the trackless variant operates on rubber tires and utilizes advanced navigation technologies such as optical sensors, GPS, and LiDAR to follow virtual tracks. This eliminates the need for fixed rails, reducing both construction costs and environmental footprint. Each tram, capable of carrying up to 300 passengers across three carriages, will operate on dedicated lanes to ensure safety and efficiency. With a top speed of 70 km/h and a range of 100 km per charge, the trackless trams promise faster and more flexible travel compared to conventional trams. Initially planned for eight locations, the project may expand to additional areas, further enhancing Dubai’s public transport infrastructure.