UAE | Traffic and Transport

Metro design finalised

The manufacturing of Dubai Metro trains will start this month in Japan, where the train compartments will get an interior design based on water and air theme, says a senior official.

  • By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:36 May 3, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Facilities include: CCTV, special needs people requirements, signage system and metro map in each compartment.
  • Image Credit:
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Dubai: The interior design of train compartments for Dubai Metro is based on water and air theme. Each train will have five compartments, said a senior official.

"The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has finalised the interior design of trains - which will be built in Japan - to be used for Dubai Metro," said Abdul Redha Abu Al Hassan, Director of Planning and Design of Dubai Metro at the RTA.

The manufacturing of trains will start this month in Japan and the first train will reach Dubai by March 2008.

"Initially, we will receive 44 trains for the Red Line which will be complete by September 2009. A total of 87 trains, including 62 for the Red Line and 25 for the Green Line, will be used for the Metro," said Al Hassan.

Mohammad Al Ruwaishid, Rail Design Manager at the RTA, said each train would cost Dh500 million. The total cost for the 87 trains will be around Dh4.35 billion.

Each train will consist of five compartments with maximum capacity of 897 passengers in peak hours. It has been designed to accommodate four passengers per square metre.

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 three out of five compartments while the other two will use one compartment each.

The interiors of all compartments will be coloured blue while the exterior of the train is blue and silver.

The Golden Class [open to all but for an extra charge] will have luxurious interiors with leather seating. The Women and Children compartments will have plenty of space for strollers and bags to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for women and children. They are also free to use other compartments of their choice.

The Silver Class has been finished in a combination of blues and greens. Seating is arranged in a variety of ways, giving passengers the choice between admiring views from the windows or discussions with friends. Great safety measures have been taken for both seated and standing passengers.

All compartments will have reserved wheelchair spaces for special needs people.

There will be policy of priority seating for the elderly, injured, special needs people and pregnant women.

Train compartments will be equipped with audiovisual devices. Visual and audio announcement facilities will be available to serve different categories, especially those with special needs.

Clear signage will show the route map of the metro and other directions for passengers.

Have your say
Are you looking forward to using the Metro system? Do you prefer trains or buses? Tell us your views at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or send your comments below.


Your comments


Soon I will be a Metro train commuter also. I just wish there would be a few improvements and disciplinary rules in place, such as passenger queues and more seats for ladies.
Flory
Dubai,UAE

The article mentioned a travel class with special facilities for women and children. If a man travels with children, stroller and bags, which class does he go to?
Rahal
Sydney,Australia

I prefer trains for transportation since it saves me time. A train journey also gives a lot of pleasure and entertainment since it frees our mind from hassles.
Muralidharan
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I am definitely looking forward to it. In the Philippines we have our own version of the Metro Train and it has helped a lot of people. It definitely cuts down the time spent in traffic jams; giving people more time for themselves. The bus may be cheaper but I prefer to shell out more dirhams in exchange for quicker travel time.
Summer
Dubai,UAE

I am waiting for the Metro. I think it will surely help reduce traffic to a great extent.
Hanfas
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I am from Mumbai, India, where the main and easiest way to travel is by trains, which are quicker, convenient and comfortable. I am looking forward to experience the Dubai Metro.
Smitha
Dubai,UAE

It is nice to have public transportation like this. In the Philippines we have a train network that allows us to travel conveniently. I am very excited to try the train here in Abu Dhabi.
Edwin
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I would prefer the Metro only for long journeys. For shorter trips I will take the bus.
Rizwan
Dubai,UAE

I can't wait. It will continue to be a nightmare travelling on the roads of Dubai until the Metro is operational.
Rami Salman
Dubai,UAE

Finally, Metro trains for Dubai. I think it will be a success but I do not like the concept of Gold Class and Silver Class. Women and children class is fine. I have never come across a class system in Metro trains. In Australia, every one travels in the same class, even if you are the CEO, you sit with ordinary people. This speaks a lot about equality.
Khalid
Melbourne,Australia

I am certain that people would definitely prefer trains to buses due to the enormous seating capacity and the speed with which they would be able to travel. Unfortunately buses have limited seating. When I used to live in the UAE I was refused entry into the bus for lack of seating or standing space. The Metro is sure to be a boon for the common man and will reduce traffic jams to a great extent.
Jayshree
Sydney,Australia

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