In exactly 100 days, Dubai will make history by opening the first Metro system in the region. The world's largest automated driverless Metro system is being built by 30,000 workers at an unprecedented pace and will serve around 1.2 million passengers every day. Amid the final phase of construction, Gulf News brings you the countdown each day leading up to the opening of the Red Line on 09-09-09.
Dubai: The Dubai Metro will open its doors to commuters on schedule with the launch of the Red Line on September 9.
Work on the Dh15.5-billion Dubai Metro project - the world's largest automated driverless Metro system - is now into the 46th month of a scheduled 49-month project delivery period. The project took off in October 2005 and has not been thrown off course even by the economic downturn.
Watch video of Dubai Metro testing
Click here for Dubai Metro in-depth
More than 30,000 workers including engineers, consultants, contractors and technicians are working over three shifts to complete the project on schedule.
The total length of the project is 76km including the 52.1-km Red Line and 23.9-km Green Line, which is scheduled to open on March 21, 2010.
Some 3,200 people are being trained to ensure the smooth operation of the Metro. UK-based company Serco has been tasked with operating the Metro for the first 10 years. Serco is currently providing training to employees - including UAE nationals - as it gears up for the launch of the Red Line.
"The Metro is expected to change life in Dubai as it will not only provide easy public transport but will also help reduce traffic, improve environment and attract tourists," said Abdul Majeed Al Khaja, chief executive officer of the Rail Agency of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which is carrying out the project.
Dubai Metro will be the fundamental solution to ensure smooth traffic flow, Dubai loses roughly around Dh5 billion every year due to traffic congestion.
Construction of the Metro project is progressing as scheduled with more than 93 per cent of the work completed on the Red Line and more than 60 per cent completed on the Green Line.
The Red Line, which runs from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali along Shaikh Zayed Road links major business centres, shopping malls and Dubai Airport's Terminals 1 and 3. There will be 29 stations along the line including four underground. The Red Line will have a capacity of 23,000 passengers per hour in each direction and will traverse a distance of 4.7km underground and 47.4km of elevated track.
The elevated track, called the viaduct, has been completed. The rail track on the Red Line has also been laid and is being used for test runs.
The longest train run was successfully conducted from Jebel Ali to Emirates airline station covering approximately 49 out of 53km on the Red Line at a speed of 90km/h.
The critical tunnelling work on both the Red and Green lines was completed in December 2008 and the tailormade tunnel boring machines called Wugiesha have been dismantled.
Out of the total 76km, some 12.6km of the Metro will run underground, mainly in the Central Business District of Deira and Bur Dubai.
Out of a total of 79 trains, more than 44 locomotives have been delivered from Japan. The Red Line will have a maximum of 62 trains and the Green Line will have 17 trains.
Routine dynamic tests are being conducted on the trains as they undergo tests on the test track stretching from the Jebel Ali Industrial station to the Jumeirah Lake Towers station.
Construction is also progressing rapidly on all 47 Metro stations. Passengers will be able to travel in comfort even during the harsh summer months with the stations, pedestrian bridges, buses and bus stops serving the Metro offering air-conditioned exits.
Residents of areas not served by the Metro will have easy access to other modes of transport to reach stations as the RTA has prepared a comprehensive integrated public transport system that will rely on public buses, water buses, taxis and private vehicles.
The RTA is planning to widen its bus network and its fleet of buses and taxis. Around 700 dedicated buses will provide a feeder service for communities living in the vicinity of the Metro stations. The feeder service has been planned in such a way that no passenger will have to walk more than 100 metres from his or her place of residence to get a bus or reach a Metro station.
The RTA has also built huge parking complexes at the three major Metro stations. A parking lot has been built at the Rashidiya station on the Red Line for 2,700 cars and another parking lot that can accommodate 2,000 cars is being built at the Jumeirah Islands Station that serves the same line.
A parking complex with a capacity of about 3,000 cars is also being built at the Qusais station on the Green Line. Al Qusais and Rashidiya parking lots will serve commuters from Sharjah, Ajman and other northern emirates, who want to use the 'park and ride' facility. Parking will be free for Metro users.
Fares for the Dubai Metro are yet to be announced but Al Khaja recently said that the fares would be affordable for all segments of passengers because the RTA wants the maximum number of people to use the Metro.
VOXPOP
I would use the Metro. Still, I think the majority of people using the Metro would be the bus users. The traffic problem in Dubai lies with cars..., says Mohammad Al Sheibani, UAE.
I would use the Metro if there were stops next to where I live and work. It would honestly be a change and save a lot of time and effort. This all depends on the punctuality..., says Yousuf Jasem, UAE.
No, I won't use the Metro. I live in Sharjah and work in Dubai, so it would be a hassle to get from work to where I live using the Metro. I would end up taking a taxi somewhere along the way and wasting more money, says Subair Chooriyot, India.
Yes I would definitely use it as it would save me a lot of time. I work in Karama and live in Jebel Ali, and it takes me a long time to commute using a bus because the distance is long, says Almira Sison, Philippines.
Well, personally, I am not really sure about the Metro. I heard that it is not too fast... if it was fast enough, I wouldn't mind taking the train since my workplace is pretty far..., says Jihad M'nasria, Tunisia.
I won't mind taking the Metro at all... The Metro would be more reliable and probably cheaper than taking taxis. It will be comfortable as it has different classes..., says Naim Nour Al Deen, Lebanon.
I look forward to using the Metro... I think that the most important issue is for the RTA to have comprehensive coordination between the Metro and other means of transport..., says Markus Stebich, Germany.
Commissioning: Quick facts
Dubai Metro trains will be up and running from 6am to midnight and the average speed will be 40 to 45 km per hour. Depots in Rashidiya, Al Qusais and the Jebel Ali Industrial Area will carry out necessary maintenance at night.
Do you know?
- Initial bidding cost: Dh15.5 billion
- Total length: 76km
- Red Line: 52.1km
- Green Line: 23.9km
- Number of workers: 30,000
- Number of operational staff: 3,200
- Construction start date: October 2005
- Commissioning date for Red Line: September 9, 2009
- Commissioning date for Green Line: March 21, 2010
- Operator name: Serco
- Feeder public buses: 700+1,600 vehicles plying normal routes
Will you be riding Dubai Metro once the service starts? How will it help you in travelling around Dubai?
One more wonder in the world ..look forward to using it while in Dubai next time..it will be agreat experience...best wishes to Dubai Metro
H DATOO
DAR ES SALAAM,TANZANIA
Posted: June 01, 2009, 18:45
Ofcors i will USE Metro,if it is cheap,if it is comfort,and if it saving my time.
Emran
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 17:05
I'm used to in Manila. And Im willing to try it here. First it will save time, money and priceless moments we want to see.
Kiko
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 16:45
we are all exited but it really depends on the fares!
Shazia
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 16:19
i will not use the Metro as i do not see the logic in paying upto Dh10 for a ride, after walking in the scorching heat and waiting at a station in queue. i would rather get in my car and put in fuel for Dh10 which can get me to work and back and be avaiable at my finger tips when i need it. if there is an emergency in my house, and i have sold my car, and with the distance of the metro station from my present location and the pathetic scarcity of cabs and irregaular unreliable timings of buses here, how will i get home in time to save my family. i will only reach there after the tragedy is happened - only to be able to transport the victim back to our country.
Khurram Asif
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 15:58
I have never ever ridden a train,be it a metro or the "traditional" ones.i'm a teenager,born and brought up here so this metro is something new.I'm looking forward to have a ride and I hope its NOT expensive.Thats the last thing I need. Cant wait for it open.Nice choice for date opening!
Sidra
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 14:51
Well it looks very intresting and exciting. I am very comfortable in using metro service if I get the parking for my car.
Zubair
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 13:55
Sure! Why not?
jhun
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 13:51
I am looking forward to the start of Dubai Metro and it will be an added tourist attraction and a feather in the cap of Dubai. I am commuting from Karama to TECOM and the efforts that has been put by RTA is just laudable!!
Venkat Seshadri
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 13:48
For me Metro wouldnt save any money, as i travel with my family and maintaining the car would be cheaper. If the fares are 1 or 2 dirhams it would be worth travelling
Abdul Naizam
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 13:44
Its really good news, that the Worlds largest automated driver less metro will run in Dubai. I will definitely prefer Metro and suggest to all to use the Metro as the fastest means of transport.
Emran N Khalifa
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 13:37
Great effort by Dubai Metro. I will cetrainly prefer to use Metro as much as I can. Sharjah to Dubai commuters do not know how to reach Qusais/Rashidiya stations without taking their cars to the Metro stations.
Alex Eapen
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 13:29
I am looking forward to use the Dubai Metro and I feel it would bring ease to the life of people who have to wait alot to get a taxi or bus. I hope that the connections between buses, metro and water buses also works out. Great job by RTA!
Rahul Jam
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 13:25
If there's a chance to ride with the Metro,why not? but in my case its not possible as i worked and lived in Sharjah. but for some try..i will..
vhing
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 13:24
If RTA has sufficient buses near each station and Dubai Metro charges should not be more than USD40.00 for unlimited monthly card, then Dubai metro will be a success with RTA. RTA is good with charges but they don't have time schedule, it too tidious.
Remy De Souza
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 13:20
I would definitely use the Metro- in shah Allah, even though i live in Sharjah and is not a necessity for me. It's a prestigious project the world in general, but the UAE ites in particular , was looking forward to. I would film myself and e mail to to all my friends and realtives for sure. It being a 'driverless' train makes a bit of hesitation though, on the other hand it can be an thrill too.
Agniyah Shaikh
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 13:14
In Summer Days, No way
Asif Abbas Hashemi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 12:53
I am very excited about the Abu Hail Station coming up right in front of my building. Will have to wait till March though. I love to go shopping in Bur Dubai, but the parking problem there used to deter me. Now I can take the metro!
Jyothi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 12:50
I would difinetly use it if RTA will make reasonable fares. I will be more than happy to sit in a cool place reading newspaper or a book.
Yasser
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 12:45
What's the fare, it all depends on it. It is good mode of transport to travel in city like dubai.
Sharan
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 12:33
It is too early to comment until the fares have been declared. Pricing will be the most important factor in deciding the success of the Metro.
Lennon
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 12:33
I am eagerly waiting to ride the Dubai Metro once the service starts. I am not working, so though I won't be using the metro on a regular basis, I would love to travel in the metro while travelling around Dubai. It is an accomplishment for the country and as residents we must all acknowledge and appreciate the effort taken by the government to start the Metro service. If the service could be made available between Sharjah and Dubai, it would be most useful.
Naina Nair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 12:31
Well, I think it will be a boon for regular office goers, but it wont serve so well for people like me who have site jobs which keep on changing. Still I can expect some respite from traffic on the roads
Atul Sharma
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 12:26
If the price is right, why not. But if its priced like Salik, then no way!
George Lopez
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 12:21
please kindly specify the fare for each trip, each location...
Val Luna
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 12:16
I plan to relocate to Dubai this summer and I won't use my car to get around because I'd much rather walk and the Metro will help facilitate that. If Dubai loses money every year due to traffic congestion, then the Municipality has a duty to encourage people to use the Metro instead of the car and I don't think traffic will decrease as a result of the Metro unless travel is free.
Abdul M. Ismail
Liverpool,UK
Posted: June 01, 2009, 12:13
i definetly look forward to metro.it really looks positive.especially the fact that there will be free parking lots stipulated for metro users.this will be a very important facility to make vehicle users to use metro rails to save time and energy to reach various destinations in dubai.
Jack
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 11:32
The project can only be a success if priced like US (NY) or India (Delhi), it could be a failure if pricing strategy is like the one followed by UK (London). Commuters will have to forgo a lot i.e. traveling in the heat. Hence pricing and connectivity with bus service will play an important role in the commuters decision to use the Dubai Metro.
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 10:46
Thanks for the good work done by all Metro teams. RTA, construction team.
Sumesh
Ras Al khaimah,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 10:40
I don't think many passengers who has to use transport on daily basis will use the metro, otherwise the fares will be less than AED 5.00 or there will be cheap monthly pass
Mustafa
Mumbai,India
Posted: June 01, 2009, 10:37
I think there should be a fast train as well which stops only on major stops. This helps in long distance travellers. Eventually,It all depends on the punctuality. I am counting the days. Hopefully it wont dissapoint us.
Jayganesh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 10:31
Me and my family Eagerly waiting for 09092009. There is a station just near to me. From my heart sincerely wish all the success May God Bless Us.
Saidu Mohammad Shaji
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 10:28
i usually drive my own car to where ever i want but i would definitely use the metro service once its launched because i have never experienced being in a train,and me and my friends are planning to use the metro the full length and reverse only for fun and experience
Abdul Basir
Ajman,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 10:26
the above all official information from rta it wont mention that what is the minimum charge? the passenger to buy ticket per trip. many people with low salary are using the bus service it is not comfortable to travel with the metro if it is high cost.
Sadik
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 10:08
Congratulations RTA done a great job, wish u all the very best for the forcoming projects, thanks for everyting, please give proper training to the bus drivers how to behave with the travellers, thank you
Suhail Ali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:49
great,but should insure that people will keep the rules and disciplines while riding the metro, for example spitting habit in or to the outside should be completely prohibited and fined when or if it happens.
Hisham
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:49
am looking forward sure will use that its a great gift that has been given to all of us. thanks
Mona
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:45
How about making metro more appealing, educating people about its benefits: 1. No traffic lights to stop 2. Won't be affected by accidents 3. No need to pay attention to the road which can be exausting especially after bad-night sleep. 4. No Salik 5. No accidents! 6. Can relax and read a book or even sleep a bit on the train. 7. No parking headache! 8. Saving on petrol 9. Going green - saving the planet from emissions! Anyone wants to add more? Please feel free.
M. M.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:40
i have never used public transport before, and this would be my first time.i would definitly try it. maybe not to work at first but to public place ex. from one mall to another. if i see the convenience of taking the metro instead of my car is better, then i will become more and more reliant on the metro. in my personal opinion, i think people need to adapt to the idea over time, it will not happen in one day.
Maya
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:34
i am very eager to see moving metro on 09-09-09, infact i want to travel in first metro journey on 9th sept..please advice me how to get in metro on first day.
Prakash Vora
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:30
The success of Metro is entirely dependant on the fares it has. The lower the fares, the more successful it is!
Adeel Mandviwala
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:23
Before I make any comments, I need to know the money involved. If I need to make a round trip from say Al Qusais to Jebel Ali
Anil Kumar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:20
Yes i will use metro if there is bus service from metro station to near by area.
Balaji
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:19
Of Course i will use metro, so i will save my money that i wana spend on purchase of second hand car only for coming and going to my work place. One more thing, I wana apply for job in metro can i apply? and how? Bundle of thanks if i recieve reply with great wishes for coming metro.
Shahzad Shabbir
Multan,Pakistan
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:19
Metro is cheap, convenient and hassle free means of transport but metro wouldn't drop us near our offices or home we might end up taking a taxi and spend more money, Since many of the metro users will be the common work force, I dont think we will afford to spend that amount everyday.
Soheb Ismail Shaikh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:13
I would use the metro if there was a station near my home. I don't think that i will run to catch a bus and then to take the metro in this heat!
Ralph
Beirut,Lebanon
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:12
Ofcourse, to save time,
Mujahid Khalil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:07
Of course yes. Although I own a car, I plan to use the Metro once its fully operational. I strongly believe it will indeed be an enjoyable, convenient and cost effective ride offering the Metro users an excellent view of this amazing and cosmopolitan city of Dubai.
Rajesh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:06
well the metro ride will be enjoyable, time saver money saver energy saver last but not least hassle free as well. I am waiting for 09/09/09 to come and open the door for us.
Shoaib Ansari
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:06
Will the cost be like Palm Metro?
Mir Shahriar Ahmad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:02
Yes, I would prefer travelling in metro provided the fares would match my budget otherwise I will go with bus. But honestly using metro would save me lots of time to reach my office where as using bus it takes too much time due to traffic.
Aarif Naseer
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:58
I love metro as the great idea. I don't understand why first line will not connect Sharjah and JebelAli. Who generate the biggest traffic in Dubai? I hope that metro will be not much slower than my car going from Marina to Bur Dubai.
Marek
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:50
Let me check the fare first, if it is affordable, sure i will turn to Metro
Rafeequ
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:50
this is great news. may i be able to use it or not but it will definately solve the traffic problem. it is going to effect every person in uae directly or indirectly. hats off to metro project and to uae rulers
Savitri Parikh
Ajman,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:42
Thank you RTA,Congratulations I hope the traffic on roads reduces so that I can drive freely now.
Nataraj
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:39
Definitely it will be a shining star in the Dubai's traffic history and we can hope it maybe useful to the ordinary people
Mohammad Rafi Thiruvode
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:36
This is a good news for everybody, especially people passing from Shaikh Zayed road, this would be a great help for us. How much will be the fare for this?
Michael
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:33
The long due public transportation system in Dubai is near and all are excited about it. What will be the fare?. None of the articles or reports on the Metro mentions the fare. This should be affordable to public and same a RTA Bus charges.
Sudhir G.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:32
I would like to use metro. I hope it will work much better than bus service. Bus service is completly out of comments.
Marek
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:24
i hope RTA will extend its route from Dubai to DIP. It would be very helpful for commuters like us.
Rea
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:17
I am early waiting for the metro ride!!It will help all to travel without a traffic jam,not to get stuck in the roads for long time..And want to get the view of Dubai city through metro..!!
Simmy Aziz
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:05
It depends, how much they charge.
Khalid
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:04
Metro will be a relief for those who use bus on the same route of the red line or green line, not for others. Especially not for those like me, living in Sharjah and working in Dubai.
Jayson
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 08:03
Yes, I am looking forward to using the metro... It will save time
Manisha
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 07:51
About bus service. Three times I tried to use bus in Dubai. I was waiting around 40-50 minutes in direct sun. After this always two or three buses came !! Nobody control bus drivers routines in this area. Other problem - bus drivers still have jungle habits to drive bus without lights during the night - it is danger for passengers !
Maciek
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 07:28
Yes surely Dubai Metro will be an alternative mean of transport, where time and traffic is a major issue in Dubai.
Jithesh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 07:27
This is the example of Dubai into the limelight. Kudos to Dxb Govt.
Lax
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 06:37
Hope RTA keeps the fare as low as possible. Hope they issue monthly passes may be cost Dhs 100.then more and more people will travel.
Roshan Lobo
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 06:07
Are there future plans to extend this metro project from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? I understand there are many people who choose to live in Dubai but work in Abu Dhabi.
Linda Bruno
lafayette,US
Posted: June 01, 2009, 04:21
It all depends on the service and fare of the metro. If it suits the pockets for sure people will love to use it but if the rent is high than majority will not use the metro.
Rehan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 01, 2009, 01:57
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