Unibus: A lighter, affordable travel option

A model of SkyWay's Unibike on display in Dubai.

A lightweight, above ground rail system, which costs two to three times less to construct than current rail transport systems, could be the next big thing in travel in the UAE. 
The driverless Unibus, from Belarus-based engineering company SkyWay (if brought to the UAE), could mean passengers no longer have to waste minutes waiting for the next train or metro.
"Our transport systems can meet a wide range of demands. In the UAE, because the passenger footfall is huge, the Unibus would work as the perfect model for urban transport," Svetlana Voloshyna, deputy head of business projects, told Khaleej Times.
Confirming that it is "in talks" with several transport entities within the country, Voloshyna said the electromechanical system can travel at speeds of up to 150kmph with the energy consumption equal to 2.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometers.
Compared to current transport facilities here like the Dubai Metro, which serves a good purpose for intercity, commuting passengers, Voloshyna said the Unibus is "lighter and more affordable" and can be easily implemented into a city's infrastructure to allow for emirate to emirate travel.
"The cost to construct 1km length of track and a transport module is two to three times lesser than most current public transport modules. When passengers currently wait minutes for a train, the SkyWay innovation could reach passengers every two seconds," she said.
More than one year ago, SkyWay built the test facility in Belarus for what they call 'string transport' and Voloshyna said it could well become the transport of the future in the UAE.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com