Dubai's Road and Transport Authority unveiled on Thursday the first design prototype of the high-speed transport system hyperloop as part of the UAE Innovation month.
The RTA, which has signed an agreement with Virgin Hyperloop One – the company developing the transport system – highlighted the “considerable progress” that has been made on the project.
The RTA will also exhibit other initiatives such as autonomous pods, high-frequency express buses, and the Urban Mobility Innovation Index (UMii).
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said: “RTA and Virgin Hyperloop One Company have made considerable progress in the technical, engineering and economic feasibility study of the project.
“Progress made also included identifying the routes for operating the Hyperloop along with its initial design model, which will be exhibited for the first time in the world.”
The Hyperloop technology uses an electromagnetic propulsion system to accelerate the movement of goods and services through a vacuum tube. The system is designed to assist the levitation of the capsule slightly off the track within the tube and move it at speed up to 1200 km/hour.
That will allow it to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 12 minutes, and lift about 10,000 passengers per hour in both directions.
Inside, the Hyperloop will feature deluxe interiors with leather and information broadcasting displays.
“When introduced in future, the Hyperloop technology will impact the town planning and the availability of parking spaces. It will revolutionize people mobility between various destinations in the city, logistical hubs like airports and ports, and shipping patterns,” said Al Tayer.
Rob Lloyd, CEO of Virgin Hyperloop One added: “Our focus in 2018 would be continuing the close collaboration with RTA to progress to the next phase of the project. Our aim would be to explore the viability of a wider UAE Hyperloop network.”
