UAE | Traffic and Transport

Dubai all set to test run driverless trains in May

Residents and visitors to Dubai will see the trains running on the test track on part of Shaikh Zayed Road next month.

  • By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
  • Published: 17:24 April 27, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Once fully operational, a total of 79 trains will run on both the Metro lines, including 62 on the 52.1km long Red Line and 17 trains on the 22.5km Green Line.
  • Image Credit: Supplied Picture
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Dubai: Residents and visitors to Dubai will see the trains running on the test track on part of Shaikh Zayed Road next month.

"The test run will be conducted on a 3.5km stretch of the track between Ibn Battuta station and the Mall of the Emirates and Jebel Ali Industrial Area station," Gulf News has learnt. The test run is expected to start from May 15.

"We have already put the first train on the track on Friday and currently it is being assembled and undergoing various technical tests before we start running it on the test track after two weeks," a senior official said.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which is carrying out the Dh15.5-billion Dubai Metro project, said the train will undergo full tests to monitor noise, wobbling and electromechanical compatibility for early detection of any trouble to address these before passenger service is provided starting September 9, 2009.

The first stage, which is called 'static test' phase, involves placing a stationary train vehicle on a track and performing system tests covering communication systems, signalling systems, power supplies, air-conditioning, on-board electronics and lighting.

Second test

On passing the first phase, there will be a second phase known as the 'dynamic test' to run the train on the track without passengers on board.

It involves tests of various systems while the train is in motion, including propulsion and brake test, load tests, traction power tests, electromagnetic compatibility tests, automatic train operation tests, communication tests and speed tests.

He said residents and motorists will not be disturbed by the train noise once it is fully operational because it will not produce any vibration or sound.

Passengers sitting inside a train will not hear any road noise while residents in buildings along the elevated and underground tracks will not feel any vibration or hear any noise.

At least two trains have already arrived in Dubai from Japan for the test run.

"Arrival of the first batch of trains in Dubai marked another important milestone for the Dubai Metro Project," said Al Tayer

After the test run for two months, three to four trains will start arriving every month from June onwards. Around 44 trains will run on the Red Line at the time of its launching. Once fully operational, a total of 79 trains will run on both the Metro lines, including 62 on the 52.1-km- long Red Line and 17 trains on the 22.5km Green Line.

The interior design of the trains is based on water and air theme.

Every train will have three classes - the Golden Class, the Women and Children Class and the Silver Class. The Silver Class, which is economy class, will be given four out of five compartments.

The Golden Class, which will be open to all but for an extra charge, will have luxurious interiors with leather seating. The women and children's compartments will have plenty of space for strollers and bags.

The Silver Class has been finished in a combination of blues and greens. Seating is arranged in a variety of ways. Safety measures have been taken for both seated and standing passengers. There will be six wheelchair spaces in every train.

Train compartments will be equipped with audiovisual devices with LCD screens. Trains will also have Wi-Fi internet facility.

Trains will be driverless and controlled from the main control room.

They will be operated with electricity with 'third power track' technology, meaning the power supply will be through the track.

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