Dubai
Every day, when I use the Dubai Metro to commute to and from work, I come across an issue that I would now like to raise with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The escalators at some of the Metro stations are closed for maintenance during peak hours.
The staircase at the BurJuman Metro Station is so narrow, and with all the passengers using it to reach the platform, it becomes an absolute nuisance. There is pushing, stamping on feet and anger on people’s faces as they make their way towards the Metro platform. You sometimes even miss out on your train because of the rush.
The timings for the maintenance work need to be changed so that during busy hours, the escalators are working. They could perform the maintenance work after 8pm or during the afternoon, when the stations are not crowded.
Additionally, as you walk out of the Metro at the BurJuman and Al Fahidi Metro Stations, the airconditioning is switched off, which makes it difficult for people to breathe.
With the temperatures ranging above 40C during the summer, people try to wait indoors to avoid the heat outside, but with the airconditioning at the stations switched off, it makes it unbearable for people. I feel like this is unfair!
Meera Thakkar, an associate vice president of a company based in Dubai, said: “During peak hours, either the escalators, elevators or airconditioners face some issue. The RTA is offering excellent services to the Metro users, including free shuttle services. If they can do so much to take care of the commuters, then why can’t they take care of the basic amenities provided at the stations? This affects RTA’s image, as many tourists are travelling on the Metro, too.”
Sunil Harwani, another Dubai resident, said: “Since the past several months, the escalators at Al Fahidi Metro Station and Burjuman Metro station are mostly out of service. I use the stairs, but I have noticed long queues at the elevators. My main concern is elderly commuters or those with small children having unpleasant experiences. I understand that every big organisation faces challenges. But, the RTA has solved bigger issues faster in the past.”
I am writing this report to voice the concerns of many people who are facing trouble at these stations on a daily basis. People are getting delayed, while others are waiting inside the stations for the feeder buses to arrive and it is still extremely hot, with the airconditioning switched off for no reason.
I would appreciate if the RTA could take urgent action on this issue, as thousands commute on the Dubai Metro every day.
— The reader is based in Dubai.
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FACTBOX
The reader’s concerns were raised with the management of the Roads and Transport Authority. They immediately investigated the issue and responded.
They wrote: “All routine maintenance is undertaken outside of revenue hours, as indicated and requested by the customer. Only corrective maintenance is undertaken during the day. These works have recently involved handrail replacement and normal expected faults.
“We are working with the maintainer Serco and its subcontractor to develop a long-term plan for overhaul and enhancement of the escalators to further improve performance.”
