Abu Dhabi’s autonomous vehicle rollout is entering its next phase of development after robotaxis officially hit the road last year. Now, the city is preparing to roll out autonomous public transport buses, after Nasdaq-listed, China-headquartered WeRide inked an MoU with Abu Dhabi’s autonomous tech firm K2 to roll them out, according to a press release.

The companies are preparing to roll out a 20-rider bus, which will most likely be deployed in Yas Island, as well as shuttle buses that would operate between UAE University’s parking facilities and campus, a source with knowledge of the matter told EnterpriseAM UAE.

Trials have already been underway, with plans to roll out the first buses around May, the source said.

The buses would initially operate with safety drivers in the passenger seat, as mandated by the Integrated Transport Center, the source said, while a command center would be available with safety officers and screens for remote intervention if needed.

Later phases would see the buses rolled out in other areas of Abu Dhabi like Al Maryah Island and Reem Island, and eventually other emirates, they added.

What’s next?

Ras Al Khaimah also looks poised to get Robobuses soon, with WeRide agreeing in October to operate them, along with Robotaxis, on Al Marjan Island. Uber and WeRide are operating fully driverless taxi services on Yas Island.

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