After many years into development, thousands of peoples hard work later, Dubai Metro is ready to deliver.
The discussion forums in Dubai social networks are centered on a single spot, Dubai Metro. In offices and public places people speak the advantages of the world’s biggest driverless Metro Rail Project, going to be functional on the symbolic date of 09-09-09. The media in Dubai is focusing this as one of the major achievements. Dubai would never be the same again after the trains move on its Metro Rail Network.
The historic arena of Dubai has been a dream land for many tourists across the world. The skyscrapers and multi-storied high tech buildings marked the wonders of modern engineering and architecture. Being the vibrant world of international media and Information Technology, Dubai’s recent progress has been a role model for other Middle East countries. 
Even as the economic downturn reduced the volume of Dubai’s growth rate, one of the Middle East’s top destination, didn’t compromise on developmental projects. While Dubai is quickly moving to the newer heights of sustainable development, one of the major drawback has been its road traffic. Commuters have been facing traffic chaos since many years. Traffic blockade has been a real mess for Dubai. People who go by car for work and return to their home by car, suffer many hardships. Many people lost hours on road in traffic trap. The overspill lead to bemused driving which made accidents common.
The new hubs of technology and job opportunities have been searching for a solution to its comfortable mobility. Foreigners in large number stay and work in Dubai for decades and recently the number of immigrants have surpassed proportionally. To many expatriates Dubai for whom Dubai is like a second home, now it is the time of ripening the dream through Dubai Metro. Dubai need not go behind any other great cities of the world. Dubai Metro Rail is the solution for many of its developmental setbacks. Electric trains with state of the art of modern technology, well-furnished infrastructure, people friendly convenience etc. have been the specialty of this big project.
Wifi, Mobile access through out the Metro journey would be exciting to passengers, especially the youth. Women and children will have special cabins.
“I think this is going to work. NYC and Chicago made it to the top before. Now it is Dubai’s turn…”this is one of the posts on You Tube on Dubai Metro.
Paul Anderson, managing director, Serco Dubai Metro, said “Born of vision and necessity, the impact of the metro on Dubai’s populace and visitors in terms of traveling habits and mobility in general will help shape the emirate’s socio-economic future.”
The Middle East’s first automated- driverless Metro system are electric trains with Gold class cabin, panoramic view from the front, wide leather seats, and carpet flooring are now awaiting the passengers. Dedicated Metro police and other security personnel would be serving the Dubai Metro travelers. Tactile guidance path would be a blessing for visually impaired travelers. With automatic Train Protection system, Wayside Obstacle Detection, Front and rear cameras, Dubai Metro is the world’s most technologically advanced rail systems.
The fully integrated transport system caters for buses, taxis and private cars. Three large parking facilities are located in Rashidiya, Nakheel Harbor and Tower on the Red Line. Tickets can be bought from Ticket Vending Machines or authorized agency. State of the art system provides various services to the passengers like retail outlets, banks, coffee shops and restaurants.
A single five carriage train can accommodate 643 passengers. The speed range of the train is between 45 to 95 kilo meters per hour. There are first aid centers at stations with trained staffs. Emergency Call Box is located inside the train for passengers to communicate with station staff in emergency situation.
Eco- friendly system will reduce pollution. There will be two lines known as Red and Green Line, Red line run from near Dubai Airport to Jebel Ali. While Green line runs from Al Ghusais to Jeddaff. Green line is not being opened at the moment and it is expected join the Dubai Metro network by June 2010 adding many more stations.
The success of this big project depends on the attitude of car crazy people. Still many say they would prefer cars than Metro trains. But many low-paid expatriates who depend on public transport are the excited group. According to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), 88% of the 1 million vehicles registered in Dubai are cars and buses.
Dubai began building the Metro Rail Project in 2005. It has been awarded to Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The Metro will be operated and maintained by UK support services firm Serco. The project is financially guaranteed by Dubai government. The building of the Dubai Metro cost around 28 billion Dh.
Dubai citizens as well as the expatriate community who have been contributing in large number to Dubai’s development are excited to witness and celebrate the historic run of Dubai Metro.
