UAE | Traffic and Transport

Don't worry about safety of metro

All aspects are taken into account and people should not fear riding in driverless trains.

  • By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
  • Published: 23:06 February 21, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Supplied picture
  • Ramadan Abdullah Mohammad spells out the various safety and operational aspects of the Metro operation.

Dubai: There is absolutely no reason to fear about safety of riding in the driverless trains of the Dubai Metro system. The first phase of the Metro will start on September 9, said a senior official.

"We have proven and tested international security measures in place to ensure a safe ride for passengers," said Ramadan Abdullah Mohammad, Director of Rail Operations, Department at the Rail Agency of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The authority is carrying out the Dh15.5 billion 74.6 km driverless Dubai Metro project consisting of two main lines - Red and Green.

The RTA will monitor the Metro operations, although the contract for its operations and maintenance has been awarded to Serco Middle East for 10 years. The UK-based company is currentlyrunning operations for Docklands Light Railway, the Manchester Metro, the Northern Rail, the Mersey Rail in the UK, the Great Southern Railway in Australia and the Copenhagen Metro in Denmark.

In an exclusive interview, Mohammad told Gulf News about various safety and operational aspects of the Metro operation, particularly the running of driverless trains. He allays people's fears of expected roller coaster ride, derailment, tunnel evacuation plans and safety at stations. He said the RTA has completed its homework for the safety and security of the metro system and passengers.

Gulf News: How safe is it to ride Dubai Metro trains?

Ramadan Abdullah Mohammad: Safety of passengers and the system is the top priority of the RTA. Train operation is protected by Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, which is a tested and proven technology used around the world. If any train breaks down on the track, all trains behind it stop automatically - so no crashes.

The ATP tells us about the movement of the train and other trains around, if there is any problem, it will immediately stop the train automatically. Through the system, we would know in the control room about locations of all trains.

People are a bit scared of driverless trains. How does a driverless train operate?

It is very simple. The trains are run by computers at the Central Control Room. The computers have software backups as well for extra protection.

Also, if there is any problem in the train and it cannot be operated from the Control Room, our staff in the train will drive it manually to the nearest station. There will be at least one staff member on every train to help passengers and ensure safety.

How will you monitor trains and stations?

We have a system in place for monitoring every inch of metro lines, trains and stations. There are cameras in and around the trains, at the stations and in the tunnels. There is heat detection and fire alarm system as well. The trains will also stop automatically if anything happens on the track or the station.

How about the chances of derailment of a train?

Chances of derailment are very remote. Before we official start the metro operation, we will fully operate the system from July until the opening date as part of our safety plan. Also, we will run an empty train, called 'the sweeping train' on the tracks every morning to ensure the line is totally safe.

What about evacuation plan on the elevated tracks and the tunnel in case of any emergency?

A comprehensive evacuation plan will be in place. The first priority will be to drive the train manually to the nearest station. If it is not possible, passengers will be allowed to disembark on the tracks. The tracks have walkways to help passengers walk up to the nearest evacuation point. There is one evacuation point at every 700 metres according to the international standard. If the passengers are on the elevated track, they will be able to use stairs to come down or they will be able to come out of the tunnels. Tunnels have ventilation fans and have system of extracting any gases.

All staff deputed at the trains and the stations will be trained as the first response team and to provide first aid before the police and paramedics arrive in case of any untoward incident.

Having seen uneven elevated track, which goes up and down frequently along Shaikh Zayed Road, many people believe that it will be a 'roller coaster ride' in the Dubai Metro?

(Laughing) No it is a misconception. Even in the tunnels, the tracks are build the similar way due to design issues and right of way but people can't see it. Passengers will not even feel the ride. Also the speed of the trains is quite normal.

What will be the daily operational hours for the trains and how fast they run?

The trains will be out on the lines from 5 am to 1am but the real commercial time will be from 6 am to 12 midnight. A train can run up to 110 km per hour but the average speed will be around 40 to 45 km per hour due to large number of stations. After the operation is over at night, the trains will end up in three depots in Rashidiya, Al Qusais and Jebel Ali Industrial area for maintenance.

Will you keep the pedestrian crossings at the metro stations open round the clock?

Pedestrians crossing will remain open 24 hours even when the stations are closed and the train operation is stopped at night. These crossings have been designed in way that anyone can use them because they are isolated from the platform.

How much will be the interval between two trains arriving at a station?

The train will arrive at a station with an interval of three to four minutes during peak hours which are morning, afternoon and evening.

The time between trains will increase to five to six minutes during off-peak hours and to 15 minutes when the traffic is really very thin. There will also be 12 spare trains.

What will you do if a link is broken between two stations?

If a link is broken between the two stations in case of any break down on the track, we will provide the bus service between the two stations. It is called degraded operation and it should be complete within 15 minutes.

How would you protect trains and stations from vandalism?

There will be a dedicated security force not only to protect passengers but also trains, stations and tracks. The metro police are being developed by the Dubai Police. Also, there will be guards and attendants at the stations.

There will be cameras inside the cars of all the trains and at the stations to monitor passengers. The construction material used at the stations and the trains is fire resistant with zero halogen and no toxics. It is also scratch proof.

Fines and penalties will also be announced later against those responsible for cause damage to trains, stations and putting lives of passengers in danger.

Have you followed earthquake code to protect metro stations and the tracks?

Yes.

How many people will be involved in the operations and maintenance of the metro?

We will have around 3,200 people responsible for operation and maintenance.

How much electricity is needed to run the trains?

We will have three power stations including one spare to energise the tracks. The power line on the track is insulated to avoid any electric shocks. It can be disconnected in case of emergency.

How long a train will stop at a station?

Average stopping time to pick and drop passengers at a station will be 15 to 20 seconds and for very busy station, it can be extended up to 30 seconds. The cameras at the platform will monitor the situation and fines will be imposed in case of any deliberate attempt to keep the train doors open.

Will you ride the Dubai Metro? Will it be more convenient for you? Tell us below

Your comments


Thanks for the elaborate information... We would like to know the fare too..
Nasser
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 17:25

Of course, I'm sure that people will take full advantage of these trains because no one likes to waste hours in traffic and on signals..
Hammad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 17:01

I am looking forward to riding the Metro it will be faster and more convenient than the bus, and also no waiting forever like you do for a taxi. Plus the price will be less than a taxi. I can't wait!
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 16:54

Definitely!!! I am eargerly waiting for the Metro's inaguration and I am sure it will benefit my daily travelling.
Sandesh S D
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 16:12

I would love to use Dubai Metro. The problem is that even though I live 200 metres from a station and my office is 400 metres from a station it is difficult to walk to the stations because there are no pavements. This means I have to risk being run over by walking along the site of the road or worse still risk injury walking through half complete construction sites. I hope the RTA comes up with a solution, if not I will continue to use my car.
Bob
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 16:02

I will definitely try! I hate every morning hassles, rushing to get a bus but then you need to wait for more than 40 mins. I hope it's affordable for everyone.... By then we'll have more choices. (Buses, taxis or train)
Nette
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 15:43

Yes,I would be readily willing to travel in Dubai Metro once in a while .I stay in Karama and work in DIC. I would think of traveling on a daily basis provided the stations are closeby, else I would prefer to continue using my chartered bus which charge Dh400 per month.
Sheela
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 15:33

I am waiting eagerly for its inaguaration as it will benefit me to reach my office in Jumairah Lake Towers on time. I wish if the authorities can prepone its inaguration earlier than its scheduled date of 09-09-10. I wish Dubai Metro all the BEST.
Satish Nambiar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 14:12

Cant wait to ride it, it bought an apartment near it in New Dubai! Just dont delay it RTA.. i know its been a massive engineering work but dont delay it!
Mansour Ahmad
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 13:47

Its was amazing to read the interview of Mohammad and very happy to know that the Metro is so safe and thanks to everyone behind this project.
Dinesh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 13:37

Yes, i will ride the metro. i am even planning to shift my accomodation to be near any metro station. Obviously it will be convenient for me and others also.
Abdu Khaliq
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 13:33

Yes of course. It will be fun to take a ride on the Dubai metro. As I reside in Sharjah don't think it will be convenient for me as the routings will be quite far to reach the office but with family outings its definitely going to be great
Austina D'Costa
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 13:16

It is a great feeling to be on the new technology of the digital operating train. It will more and more convenient for the people of Dubai and visitors who are coming here. Hope at least now the traffic on the road will move more smoothly than in the past and present on every corner of the Dubai roads. Thanks to the authorities of Dubai for all the better thinking of the people and the nation.
Anthony N. Rodrigues
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 13:02

Will I use the metro? Depends on the price. I personally dont think there should be "any charge at all" for using the metro, as it is an attempt to clear traffic. So I'll commute using the metro if the price is right (or free!)
Sheraz
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 12:41

Will surely do, but only in winters. If RTA gives options of parking near all stations and at a good price for long hours then i surely will. if they do this then it can be a success. Because its impossible to walk in the summer heat to the station and then walk to the office in the same heat.. they have to come out with clear parking and transportation facilities from and to the Metro. then it can be a success. I have been in metros around the world and hope this will be somewhat same. Again, clear transportation and access to and from the Metro is required.
Kamlesh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 12:25

Yes. I will ride the Dubai Metro. Definitely it will be more convenient for all passangers. I hope that it will reduce on road traffic. Could you tell me about the fare/charge for trips?
Abdul Rahim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 12:23

Am eagerly looking forward to using the train services. My only concern is the cost factor of the trains - hope they will be affordable and cheap.
K. G. Subramony
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 11:27

Yes/ I think its a good alternative for cars and buses but the fare should be reasonable. RTA should issue disounted passes like in the UK, daily weekly or monthly.
Ben Mempin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 10:45

I would definitely prefer to use public transportation - but it needs to be accessible and affordable. How much will it cost to ride the trains and how much will it cost to park at a station? What parking provisions have been planned? The 2008 RTA roadmap shows more than two lines - when will these other lines be completed?
Victoria Ross
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 22, 2009, 10:02

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