Serco to operate Palm monorail

Dubai: The Dubai Metro operator, international service company Serco, is to operate and maintain the Palm Jumeirah monorail, Serco and Nakheel said.

The Palm Jumeirah monorail has been described as a critical component of the Palm Jumeirah area, running 5.5km, the length of the development, from The Gateway Station on the Dubai Mainland to the Atlantis Station on the Crescent.

Serco took over its operation on August 6, 2010. The monorail has been popular with Palm Jumeirah residents and tourists due to the views of the world famous development its passengers can enjoy, and the access it provides.

Prime operator

Serco already operates and manages the Dubai Metro on behalf of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and has operated the award-winning Docklands Light Railway in London since 1997.

Nakheel chairman Ali Lootah said: "I am delighted to confirm that we have appointed Serco to operate the Palm Jumeirah monorail. With the safety and comfort of monorail users as our priority, it was vital to select an operator with the appropriate experience, skill and scale.

"Serco has vast knowledge of driverless transport systems and we are very pleased to be working with such a highly qualified and respected company".

Serco CEO Zafar Raja said: "Palm Jumeirah is a world-famous, world-class landmark and we are proud to be contributing to its status as a unique part of the Dubai success story".

The RTA has said it plans to link the Palm Jumeirah monorail with the Dubai Metro's Red Line, via an Al Sufouh tram.

The Palm monorail was developed by a consortium of international companies led by the Marubeni Corporation, and is fully automatic and driverless. The monorail cost Dh2.1 billion to build and was opened to passengers in May last year.