The National: on board Sharjah's sky pods aiming to take UAE public transport to new heights

[08.05.2024]

The National's lead reporter, Nick Webster, and his team visited the uSky Test & Certification Centre, a leading center for innovation in future transport solutions. Their visit was aimed at exploring the cutting-edge uSky Transport & Infrastructure Solutions that will completely change the landscape of the transport industry.

“The National was among the first to take a journey on the cutting-edge mode of transport, which is expected to contribute to ambitious plans to take thousands of cars off the roads and curb congestion”, noted Nick Webster

In the article "On board Sharjah's sky pods aiming to take UAE public transport to new heights," published by The National on May 8, 2024, the author explores the innovative transportation solutions offered by uSky Transport. The focus is on the Sky Pods project in Sharjah, which promises to revolutionize public transport in the UAE. The article highlights the features and benefits of Sky Pods, emphasizing their potential to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in urban areas. Through interviews with project leaders and experts, the author provides insights into the technology behind Sky Pods and the vision for their implementation. The article concludes with a glimpse into the future of public transport in the UAE, with Sky Pods poised to play a significant role in shaping transportation infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents.

“Developed by uSky Transport, the pods that can carry 25 passengers at a time are on show at the $14 million Karat complex at Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)”, pointed Nick Webster

It has been three years since the unveiling of the first prototype of the urban mobility system designed by Belarusian scientist Anatoli Unitsky, that costs a fraction of requirements to install a metro or tram system. Since then, a working public service has become operational in Belarus, and a contract signed to deliver a 400-metre tourist track in Karnataka, India.

“In Sharjah, developers said the flagship Karat complex shows designs are more than just a proof of concept, and hope the pods could soon be connecting key points in Dubai”, wrote Nick Webster

While the string rail alternative offered by uSky Transport may not offer the same high speeds, it can be delivered at a fraction of the price.

A public tram system typically costs from $30-40 million per kilometer of track, while the estimated costs to develop the planned 30 km Blue Line metro in Dubai are about $4.9 billion.

A similar length of track using uSky string technology – where steel wheels run on steel rails – costs about $20 m per km, the company said.

The uCar pod that began running in Sharjah along a 400m line in 2022 offered luxurious surroundings in a four-seater pod, but the latest uBus has a more functional, basic capacity to transport up to 25 passengers at a time.

The uFlash – a six seater long distance, aerodynamic pod with luggage space – also has luxurious leather seats and personal TV screens more akin to business air travel, as well as the capacity to travel at speeds approaching 500 kph.