RTA Teams Up With Uber to Bring Flying Taxis to Dubai

Two months ago, we reported about driverless, flying cars coming to Dubai this summer. While that’s still happening, it looks like it’s going to happen in a slightly different manner and a little later than initially expected.

In partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Uber will be launching a system of flying vehicles to transport people around.Dubbed the Uber Elevate, this initiative allows for the development of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicles. It would essentially be the same concept as the current Uber system, where you can simply press a button on your phone to request an on-demand, high-speed flight.

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 According to Uber’s Chief Product Officer Jeff Holden, this new system will reduce congestion and pollution as well as save people time. The electric aircrafts are expected to be small, quiet and produce no emissions.

Uber and RTA will be conducting a study into the pricing models, passenger movement and possible routes.

How will they work?

These VTOLs will have six to eight electric propulsion motors to power them. There will also be VertiPorts around the city specifically designed to charge them.

At first, the flying taxis will be operated by a pilot and then, in the subsequent stage, they will be unmanned. They will have a capacity of one person other than the pilot, which leaves two passenger spots once the next stage comes along. There could also be other ways of expanding the capacity later on.

When will this happen?

While there is no specific date of when it will be available to the public, the first demonstration is expected to launch for Expo 2020.

How much will it cost?

It sounds like the kind of service only the rich would be able to afford. However, it’s been reported that it will be as cheap as a regular taxi.