TGA mulls expanding self-driving car rollout beyond Riyadh

TGA logo shown, as it mulls expanding self-driving car rollout beyond Riyadh city

The current trial operations of self-driving cars cover specific areas in Riyadh, including King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) and several major roads, within predefined routes and designated pick-up and drop-off points, said Bander Al-Jadha, Media Relations Officer at the Transport General Authority (TGA).

The authority is evaluating the pilot phase in preparation to include other cities in the coming period, based on the technical and regulatory results recorded during the initial stage, he told Al Arabiya.net.

Each vehicle is currently operated by an officer onboard to monitor performance and ensure passenger safety, Al-Jadha said.

The human presence will continue in future phases, depending on the outcomes of ongoing tests and approved regulatory standards, he added.

Al-Jadha noted that the authority is developing the regulatory and technical infrastructure to facilitate the introduction of autonomous vehicles, ensuring system integration and strict safety and quality standards.

According to data available with Argaam, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and TGA Chairman, Saleh Al-Jasser, launched in July the initial pilot phase of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh under real-world operating conditions covering key sites, including King Khalid International Airport.

The pilot phase is being conducted under the direct regulatory and technical supervision of the TGA. During this phase, vehicles are transporting passengers with a safety officer present in each vehicle to ensure safety and monitor the performance of smart systems in real-life conditions.

TGA recently announced receiving applications from companies interested in joining its autonomous vehicle operating model, as part of efforts to open the sector for investment and develop an intelligent, safe, and sustainable transport system in Saudi Arabia.

Uber plans to launch self-driving vehicles in Saudi Arabia later this year, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said.