Dubai: Dubai Metro’s express service has been launched, with two trains rolling out on the Red Line from each direction.
The trains, introduced on a trial basis for a period of five months, are intended to reduce the early morning rush.
The new service, which was launched on Monday, will see two trains each starting from Rashidiya and Jebel Ali at 5:30am and 5:40am respectively, ahead of the normal service which begins at 5:50am.
The four express trains stop at only 13 out of 27 red line stations, cutting down the total journey time in each direction by 10 minutes and aims to reduce the peak hour rush.
The initiative, modelled after similar services in New York and Chicago, will not have the trains running any faster.
According to a senior Roads and Trasnport Authority (RTA) official, the RTA will conduct a survey on the new service during the trial period to get feedback from commuters.
“We will also launch a study to find out what people feel about the service and if they suggest any changes or more such trains, we will do accordingly,” said Adnan Al Hammadi, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, following the launch of the new service.
The Metro express service is most likely to become a permanent feature and a positive feedback might only encourage the RTA to introduce it on the Green Line as well.
The express trains will halt only at Al Rashidiya, Emirates, Al Rigga, Union, Khalid Bin Waleed, Al Karama, Al Jafiliya, Emirates Towers, Noor Islamic Bank, First Gulf Bank, Dubai Internet City, Ibn Battuta, and Jebel Ali stations.
