Dubai Tram opens doors to riders
RTA expects 66,000 tram users by 2020
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The Dubai Tram is now officially operational, with its first stage spanning 11 stations across 10.6 km.
The tram is the first outside of Europe to be powered by ground electric cables extending throughout the tramway. It is also the first in the world to use the technology of platform screen doors to provide additional comfort and safety for users, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said.
“The Dubai Tram is a brainchild of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide an advanced transit system that serves the JBR, Marina and Sufouh,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the RTA.
“The tram aims to improve the mobility within Dubai in general and areas of tourist & economic importance served by the tramway in particular. It also contributes to boosting the integrated public transport systems in the Emirate, providing a smooth, handy and highly efficient transit experience within communities,” he added.
The entire Dubai Tram network will comprise 17 stations, while the first stage covers 11 stations (JBR 1, JBR 2, JLT, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, Marina Towers, Mina Siyahi, Dubai Media City, the Palm Jumeirah, Knowledge Village, and Safouh).
11 trams make up the fleet in the initial stage, with 14 trams expected to be added in the next stage, bringing the total to 25 trams. RTA expects to hit a ridership of 66,000 by 2020, the government body said.
Additionally, the Dubai Tram links with the Dubai Metro at the Damac Properties and JLT stations via pedestrian bridges. It also intersects with the Palm Jumeirah Monorail on Safouh Street for ease of transfer between the two modes of transport.
