Dubai: Getting around Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and other adjoining areas is likely to be hassle-free soon as Dubai Tram, the region’s first tramway system, begins operations on November 11.
Complementing Dubai Metro and other public transport modes, trams will make internal travel in the densely populated areas of Dubai Marina and JBR a lot easier, with no worries about parking and traffic congestion.
“Dubai Tram will truly change the way people spend their weekdays and weekends. It will allow people freedom to enjoy a day out without the stress of parking or traffic. The trams will make going out easier for people of Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence as well as Al Sufouh,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board, and Executive Director of the RTA.
The trams also connect with busy areas like Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village, while also linking with Palm Jumeirah’s Monorail, providing onward access for its residents to the Dubai Metro. The Metro is linked with the tramway at Dubai Marina and JLT stations.
The world’s first tram stations to have synchronised platform screen doors, Dubai Tram is one of the safest and greenest with the entire network operated with on-ground electric cables.
Dubai Tram is also special-needs friendly, having two specially allocated spaces for passengers with wheelchairs or mobility aids. The areas will be clearly marked with wheelchair symbols.
To make life easier, the tram will also have clearly marked call buttons, which give passengers with mobility difficulties or parents with prams extra time to enter or exit the tram.
The tram also has access ramps for mobility-impaired passengers, including people in wheelchairs, parents with prams and elderly people.
All stations will be serviced with integrated bicycle tracks, footpaths and landscaping as well as bicycle parking facilities and taxi drop-off areas.
Fares will be calculated on the basis of zones, similar to other modes of public transport in Dubai, and can only be paid through Nol cards. Nol scanners will be placed at the exits and entrances of the stations for free movement of passengers.
Around eight kilometres of the network is served by two tracks, while 2.5 kilometres around Dubai Marina is served by a single track and four stations.
Track one starts from Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) station and ends at Al Sufouh, while track two begins at Al Sufouh and, passing along Al Sufouh Street and Marsa Dubai, bends towards Jumeirah Beach Residence and ends in a loop back at JLT.
The trams, built by French firm Alstom, carries 405 passengers and are divided into seven carriages — one Gold class, four Silver class and two dedicated for women and children.
