New Dubai mobility plan connects parking sites to driverless transit network
Parkin app to feature Glydways routes, bookings and live updates
DUBAI – Dubai is moving to reshape how residents and visitors navigate the city, with a new plan that turns traditional parking spaces into connected mobility hubs.
The initiative brings together parking infrastructure and autonomous transport, allowing motorists to seamlessly transition from driving to traffic-free travel. It is part of broader efforts to improve accessibility, reduce congestion and support long-term urban growth.
At the centre of the development is a strategic collaboration between Parkin Company PJSC, Dubai’s largest public parking operator, and Glydways Inc., a US-based firm specialising in automated transit systems. The agreement focuses on integrating parking facilities with a network of driverless vehicles designed for short, on-demand journeys across the city.
Mobility hubs
Under the plan, selected Parkin-managed locations will be converted into multimodal hubs, enabling motorists to park their vehicles and continue their journeys using autonomous Glydcars. These compact vehicles operate on dedicated guideways, independent of road traffic, ensuring uninterrupted travel without congestion or delays.
The system is engineered for high-frequency movement, allowing more than 10 vehicles to travel in close succession with a one-second headway. Each Glydcar can carry between four and six passengers and reach speeds of up to 50km/h, offering a practical alternative for short-distance travel.
By combining parking with direct-to-destination transport, the initiative aims to address one of the most persistent challenges in urban mobility: the gap between public transport stations and final destinations such as offices, residential areas and retail centres.
Digital integration
A key feature of the collaboration is the integration of digital platforms. Users will be able to plan, book and manage both parking and transport through Parkin’s app and website. The system will provide real-time information on parking availability, transit routes and estimated arrival times, creating a unified journey experience.
Parkin’s newly established subsidiary, Parkin Mobility, will lead efforts to merge multi-storey parking infrastructure with Glydways’ transit network. The approach is expected to improve parking efficiency while maintaining convenient access to key locations.
The companies will also align customer support services to ensure a consistent experience across both parking and transport services, reinforcing the goal of seamless end-to-end travel.
Expansion plans
The initiative builds on earlier efforts by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to explore automated transit solutions. Proposed routes for the Glydways system include connections between Metro stations and high-traffic destinations such as Bluewaters Island, Madinat Jumeirah and Dubai Festival City.
The wider project envisions a network capable of transporting more than 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, using small electric vehicles that operate on narrow tracks. These guideways can be installed at ground level or elevated, offering flexibility in urban environments.
Authorities say the system is designed to deliver non-stop, on-demand rides, eliminating the need for intermediate stops and reducing overall travel time. The vehicles are also expected to operate 24/7, providing consistent service regardless of peak traffic conditions.
The collaboration aligns with Dubai’s Smart City ambitions and its 2040 Urban Master Plan, which prioritises sustainable and efficient mobility solutions. By integrating autonomous transport with existing infrastructure, the city aims to create a more connected and accessible urban environment, particularly for last-mile travel where traditional transport options are limited.
Officials emphasise that such initiatives are intended to ease pressure on road networks while enhancing public transport usage.