Abu Dhabi has quietly expanded its driverless taxi service, but many residents still struggle to book these autonomous vehicles. A simple app setting change could significantly boost your chances of experiencing this cutting-edge transportation option.
The Hidden App Setting That Makes All the Difference
The key to securing a driverless taxi in Abu Dhabi lies within the TXAI app’s preference settings. Most users miss the “Priority Autonomous” toggle hidden in the app’s account section. Activating this feature places you in a priority queue for available autonomous vehicles.
To enable this setting,
- Open the TXAI app
- Navigate to “Account Settings.”
- Scroll to “Ride Preferences.”
- Switch to the “Priority Autonomous” option. The app will then prioritize assigning you a self-driving vehicle when available in your area.
According to user data, this simple adjustment has helped users increase their success rate by up to 70%. The setting works by alerting the system of your preference for autonomous rides over human-driven alternatives.
Abu Dhabi’s Expanding Autonomous Fleet
The capital’s driverless taxi program has grown significantly since its 2021 pilot launch on Yas Island. The fleet now includes 25 autonomous vehicles operating across key Abu Dhabi zones, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and parts of downtown.
Each vehicle has seven cameras, four LiDAR sensors, and sophisticated GPS technology. This system enables taxis to safely navigate Abu Dhabi’s streets, recognizing traffic signals and responding to pedestrians.
The expansion is part of Abu Dhabi’s Smart Transportation Strategy, aiming for 15% of taxi trips to be autonomous by 2027. The program has already completed over 27,000 successful trips since its inception.
How the Service Works
Booking a driverless taxi requires downloading the TXAI app from your device’s app store. After creating an account, users can request rides similar to conventional ride-hailing services. The key difference is that the vehicle arrives without a human driver.
Payment is made through the app using registered credit cards or digital wallets. The current fare structure matches traditional taxi services, and no premium is charged for the autonomous experience during this expansion phase.
For safety reasons, the vehicles operate at a maximum speed of 45 km/h and include an emergency stop button. A remote monitoring team tracks each journey in real-time, ready to assist if needed. User reviews note the smooth riding experience and novelty factor.
Who Gets Priority Access?
Beyond the app settings, certain user behaviors increase your chances of being matched with a driverless taxi. Booking during off-peak hours (10 am -2 pm on weekdays) significantly improves availability. The system also prioritizes users who have completed the optional in-app safety tutorial.
Business and tourist accounts receive slightly higher priority than residential accounts. This policy supports Abu Dhabi’s tourism goals by ensuring visitors can experience this innovative transportation option during their stay.
First-time riders also receive boosted priority. This approach allows the program to gather feedback from diverse users while allowing more residents to experience autonomous transportation.
Conclusion
Experiencing Abu Dhabi’s driverless taxi service is now easier with this simple app adjustment. As autonomous vehicles grow in importance within the emirate’s transportation landscape, knowing how to access the service keeps you ahead.
Have you tried Abu Dhabi’s autonomous taxis yet? Share your experience in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more exciting news like this.