Miral has signed an MoU with skyTran, a NASA Space Act Company headquartered at the NASA Research Park in California. The agreement will launch the study and implementation of skyTran, a personal rapid transit (PRT) system, for the first time in the Middle East on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
skyTran’s computer-controlled two-person “jet-like” vehicles employ skyTran Magnetic Levitation (STMLTM) technology instead of wheels. The patented high-speed, low-cost, elevated PRT system, built at NASA Ames Research Center will have cars moving above traffic in a safe, timely, and energy efficient manner across the Island. The project aims to connect the current and future destinations on Yas Island and eventually link it to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Mohamed Abdulla Al Zaabi, CEO, Miral, said, “Innovation remains at the heart of what we do on Yas Island. While we continue to build world-class destinations and expand Yas Island, it is imperative that we are able to implement an urban transportation solution which is not only energy efficient, but also adds another level of excitement to our visitors’ experiences. With skyTran, we have a partner who not only shares our vision for innovation in Abu Dhabi, but is developing a service which will transform the Yas Island experience, and grow our appeal to the millions of residents and tourists.”
As visitation to Yas Island grows, skyTran’s design is expected to allow for expansion of its network, where more tracks can be installed and additional vehicles added to the network to manage increased demand. The use of a sophisticated computer network enables vehicles to travel at optimum speed and spacing in a safe and efficient manner depending on passenger demand.
“skyTran is a smart transportation solution for smart cities and we are proud to be able to bring this technology to the Middle East for the first time. With our access to NASA’s technology and expertise, we are able to introduce a solution on Yas Island which paves the way for Abu Dhabi to define the Middle East’s innovative mode of transport for the future,” commented Jerry Sanders, CEO, skyTran.
Yas Island currently witnesses over 25 million visitors every year. With the opening of the Warner Bros theme park in 2018, the figure is expected to grow to over 30 million.
