Actual test runs of metro trains in Jan

DUBAI - The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) yesterday stated that the “actual” test runs of the Dubai Metro trains would start in January next year.

By Joy Sengupta (Our staff reporter)

Published: Tue 25 Mar 2008, 8:27 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 6:48 PM

Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of a news conference, Abdul Majid Al Khaja, CEO of the Rail Agency, said metro trains would undergo test runs on tracks between Jebel Ali and Rashidiya.

“At present, we have constructed a test track near the Jebel Ali depot which is only 1.5km long. The temporary test runs will be done on this track from next month. The actual test runs would begin in January next year when the complete track between Jebel Ali and Rashidiya is ready,” he said.

Asked about the fares of the metro, Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said they would be decided very soon. “The fares would be very economical and would be even less that the Salik rates,” he said.

Meanwhile, the RTA has signed a 10-year agreement for operation and maintenance services of Dubai Metro system (Red and Green lines) with the UK-based Serco Company.

“Serco has been selected from among the several companies specialised in rail operation and maintenance which responded to the public tender announced by the RTA. The bid of Serco was found to be the best. The company has experience in operating and maintaining a number of metro and rail lines in the UK, Denmark and Australia,” said Al Tayer.

He added the company would provide operation and maintenance services to all assets of Dubai Metro, including trains, tracks, stations and associated facilities during the period of contract. It would also provide transit services to users according to the daily variations and flow of metro network users, operate metro revenue system, and collect revenues of selling and topping up of metro cards on behalf of the RTA.

The company would also provide job opportunities to UAE nationals and achieve a certain percentage of Emiratisation within five years of commencing the metro operations.

Serco would also ensure safety of metro commuters through continuous monitoring and maintenance of the network. It would also ensure coordination between the metro and other modes of transport.