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RTA chief says Hyperloop routes identified in UAE

Additional details about the project's various feasibility studies, as well as its interior designs, have also been revealed by RTA and Virgin Hyperloop One

by Neha Bhatia
RTA chief says Hyperloop routes identified in UAE
RTA chief says Hyperloop routes identified in UAE

Routes to operate Hyperloop technology have been identified in the UAE, according to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). 

RTA and Virgin Hyperloop One, the Richard Branson-backed transportation disruptor, have “made considerable progress” with the project, which is one of RTA’s initiatives under its Dubai Future Accelerators programme. 

READ: Hyperloop and Abu Dhabi’s feasibility study nears release

Revealing additional updates about Hyperloop in the UAE, HE Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the RTA’s board, said both firms had reviewed the technical, engineering, and economic feasibility studies for the project.

He added: “Progress made also included identifying the routes for operating Hyperloop, along with its initial design model.

“Hyperloop boasts deluxe interiors, cutting-edge broadcasting and display of information and entertainment materials, and leather seats.” 

Designs for the system will be revealed by RTA as one of its initiatives under the UAE Innovation Month programme. 

The technology uses an electromagnetic propulsion system to move through a vacuum tube.

Al Tayer said the system is designed to assist the levitation of the capsule “slightly off the track within the tube”, and move it at speeds of up to 1,200km/h.

Consequently, the UAE’s Hyperloop could travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 12 minutes, and lift around 10,000 passengers per hour in both directions.

“When introduced, Hyperloop technology will impact town planning and the availability of parking spaces,” Al Tayer remarked.

“It will revolutionise people mobility between various destinations in the city, logistical hubs such as airports and ports, and shipping patterns.”

Meanwhile, Rob Lloyd, chief executive officer of Virgin Hyperloop One, said the company would continue to work closely with RTA in 2018. 

“The UAE and RTA were early supporters of our technology,” he continued.

“Our focus in 2018 would be continuing the close collaboration with RTA to progress to the next phase of the project, [and] our aim [will] be to explore the viability of a wider UAE Hyperloop network.”

RTA is also showcasing technologies such as autonomous pods and high-frequency express buses as part of its UAE Innovation Month initiatives.