Driverless pods might be the future of public transportation as Careem partners with NEXT Future Transportation to launch self-driving electric pods in UAE
Dubai-based ride-hailing app Careem, announced that it has signed a strategic partnership with Next Future Transportation Inc. to bring driverless transportation solutions to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The deal, described as a strategic partnership between the two firms, is a long way from bringing the actual autonomous pods into service since the Italian company has not yet started testing on a working prototype.
NEXT’s pods are described as a modular transport system and can drive individually or by attaching to others to form a bus-like structure, allowing passengers to move between each vehicle.
Careem said the pods would be safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly than today’s vehicles and reduce congestion on the roads.
The customised system would allow users to order pick-up from precise locations, such as a home address, and grab other passengers in the nearby area. Pods can drive solo or attach to other pods on the road so that passengers can transfer on the fly, without stopping.
“We are honoured to create a strategic partnership with such an innovative company as NEXT,” said Careem co-founder and managing director Mudassir Sheikha. “NEXT offers a unique and compelling vision for mass transit. We look forward to working closely with NEXT to pioneer their solutions in the region.”
NEXT founder and chief executive Emmanuele Spera described the pod system as the “world’s finest autonomous mass transit solution”.
He said, Careem was a “partner that would provide operational depth and scale” and that NEXT “look forward to continuing our journey to bring advanced transportation technologies and practices to the region.”
Earlier this month, Careem announced a $100m research and development strategy for the next five years.
Careem said the deal followed UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s initiative to make 25 per cent of all transportation trips in Dubai smart and driverless by 2030.
