UAE | Traffic and Transport

Call to increase speed of Dubai Metro trains to save time

Commuters want radio transmissions for news and music on the trains

Staff Report
Published: 17:01 March 2, 2011

Dubai: Dubai Metro users have suggested that speed of trains be increased to save time in addition to introducing some entertainment such as radio transmissions to make the journey comfortable.

The suggestions came during a meeting of the Customers Council of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), part of the transport authority's effort to improve the public transport network in Dubai.

Increasing the speed of trains would reduce the time taken to travel from Al Rashidiya Station and Ibn Battuta Station, train users said. The travel time now is around 75 minutes.

The metro customers also called for entertainment on the metro trains, such as running radio transmission for news and music, in addition to awareness campaigns for public transport users.

The RTA customers and council members urged the authority to reconsider the metro operation timings, especially during weekends and official holidays, and extend the service from 6am to 1am.

There was also a call for re-planning the entry and exit points for passengers at the stations to avoid congestion. Another suggestion was made for placing giant screens outside the metro stations which show key locations near the stations, such as mosques and hospitals.

One customer wanted bus shuttle service along the Red Line route at night when the Metro service is stopped.

Another suggestion was made calling for reducing the fare late night during off peak hours to attract more passengers.

A suggestion was made calling for coordination with the Dubai Health Authority to deploy first aid specialists at stations and on board the trains.

The customers also advised the RTA to concentrate more on educating students, especially at primary and elementary schools, on the benefits of using the public transport.

The gathering was held in the presence of RTA Board Member, CEO and Chairperson of Customers Council Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of Rail Agency Adnan Al Hammadi, Director of Customers Service Dr Aysha Al Busmait, Director of Rail Operation Ramadan Abdullah, and a number of Council members and customers.

Al Hammadi said the suggestions show customers great interest in the public transport system and their desire to make best use of the service.

Al Mulla stated that all suggestions made by customers and strategic partners will be taken into consideration and communicated to the senior management for review, studying and implementing those ones which are appropriate and in line with RTA strategies and drive.