Starting this week, residents can reserve and try the "Apollo Go" autonomous taxis in the Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim areas for just 5 Dirhams; a trial fare that replaces the free rides of the testing phase.

Car reservations are made through the "Apollo Go" app, but currently, the service is not entirely door-to-door. Passengers must board and alight at designated bus stops, and if they are more than a minute late for boarding, the trip will be automatically canceled.

Entering the vehicle is also a simple process; just enter the last four digits of your phone number on the panel next to the vehicle to unlock the doors. Each vehicle can accommodate a maximum of three passengers, and the fare will be deducted from the bank card after the trip ends.

Before departure, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory, and the vehicle will not move until all passengers have fastened their seatbelts. Additionally, if your destination changes during the trip, you can edit it through the app.

Inside the vehicle, there are amenities beyond a regular taxi; from massage seats and heated seats to wireless chargers, USB ports, cup holders, bag hooks, and dedicated luggage space. For emergencies, a safety hammer and a quick contact button for support are provided.

At the end of the trip, before the doors open, a live image from the right side of the vehicle appears on the display so that the passenger can ensure there are no bicycles, cars, or pedestrians before alighting.

This service has currently started with 50 autonomous vehicles, but the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai plans to increase their number to over a thousand in the coming years; part of a program aimed at making 25 percent of Dubai's urban trips autonomous by 2030. With the initial reception from residents for this service, it seems that driverless taxis will become a part of daily life in Dubai much sooner than expected.
Source: Gulf News