Dubai Tram. Supplied photos
Dubai - 3.7 m riders served by the Tram until the end of last October
Published: Wed 11 Nov 2015, 12:22 PM
Last updated: Wed 11 Nov 2015, 3:36 PM
It's celebration time for the Dubai Tram as it turns one today. Today the tram is celebrates one year of operation marked by high-level operational efficiency, service punctuality, high safety and riders' satisfaction rating as well as a considerable number of riders that reached 3.725 million from the start of operations until the end of October 2015.
Did you know that the Dubai Tram is considered the first tramway project outside Europe powered by a ground-based electric supply system extending along the track, thus obviating the need for catenary cables. It is also the first tram in the world that uses automated protection technology to provide maximum safety, security and convenience to riders, and the world's first tram that has air-conditioned passenger stations as well as gold class cabins and cabins dedicated to ladies and children.
It is the world's first tramway that uses Platform Screen Doors in passenger stations fully aligned with the tram's doors opening and shutting mechanism.
Also read: RTA@10: Has it redefined mobility?
On November 11 last year, Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, launched the official operation of the Dubai Tram. A brainchild of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Tram The need for the Dubai Tram project was dictated by the changing layout and the investment map in the area rendering it of high tourist significance.
It basically aimed to provide an advanced transit system to JBR, Marina and Al Sufouh neighbourhoods.
The service is run on a track stretching 11 km starting from the Marina and passing through JBR, Dubai Media City, Knowledge Village, and up to the Tram Depot near the Dubai Police Academy. The tram service sees 11 trains shuttling between 11 stations situated in activity/densely populated areas.
"During the first year of operation, the Dubai Tram has achieved extremely high performance indicators where the on-time arrival indicator reached 96.4%, and the compliance with trips timetables indicator recorded 93%. The Dubai Tram also achieved high ratings in customers' satisfaction rating amounting to 98%," said Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Also read: Now, cycle your way to Dubai tram stations
"The Dubai Tram is primarily aimed at improving the mobility inside Dubai in general and areas of tourist & economic importance in particular. It has also added to the integrated mass transit systems in the Emirate, and provided a smooth & highly efficient transit mode within areas of business & tourist significance in Dubai city. It also supports the economy of the Emirate, and contributes to reducing carbon emissions, conserving the environment, and improving the living experience of residents," he noted.
Continuous Review
Over the past few months, the RTA has undertaken a number of initiatives and procedures to improve the safety level and increase the ridership of the tram.
The authority constantly monitors the situation on a daily basis to fix the trip timetable at the tram route before introducing traffic solutions. The RTA has also provided additional parking space in the vicinity of stations to encourage people to use the Tram, and has built a parallel cycling lane extending 9 km along the tramway between Al Sufouh Station and Dubai Media City Station. Other safety measures taken included closing some left-turns to enhance the traffic safety level at certain junctions.
The Dubai Tram has unique high-class internal finishing of coaches and deluxe stations. The tram is fitted with state-of-the-art transmission and display of information and recreational materials, and some of the tram stations were fitted with air-conditioned walkways with lifts and escalators.
Also read: Mass transit use in Dubai goes up by 8.7 million
Tram control
The tram's control centre enables full control of the daily operation of the tram service. It is fitted with mega screens linked with more than 800 cameras on board the tram coaches, at stations and along the route as well as certain junctions where the tram and vehicle movements overlap.
Also read: Dubai Metro to start Friday service at 10 am
Features of Dubai Tram
The Dubai Tram is considered the first tramway project outside Europe powered by a ground-based electric supply system extending along the track, thus obviating the need for catenary cables. It is also the world's first tramway that uses Platform Screen Doors in passenger stations fully aligned with the tram's doors opening and shutting mechanism. It is also the first tram in the world that uses automated protection technology to provide maximum safety, security and convenience to riders, and the world's first tram that has air-conditioned passenger stations as well as gold class cabins and cabins dedicated to ladies and children. The Dubai Tram has unique high-class internal finishing of coaches and deluxe stations. The tram is fitted with state-of-the-art transmission and display of information and recreational materials, and some of the tram stations were fitted with air-conditioned walkways with lifts and escalators. The project design has been tailored to suit all community segments including the disabled and seniors.
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reporters@khaleejtimes.com
Shaikh Mohammed and Shaikh Hamdan during the official operation of Dubai Tram. Supplied photo
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