By Neeraj Gangal www.arabianbusiness.com
Dubai Metro has served 9,872,545 passengers since it was launched last September, according to latest statistics compiled by Rail Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Ramadan Abdullah, director of Rail Operation Department at RTA Rail Agency said in a statement that the Mall of the Emirates Station was still the most attractive to both commuters and tourists, recording 1,578,447 passengers; accounting for 16 percent of total passenger count.
“The Metro is witnessing considerable turnout on Fridays, official holidays and public events such as the two Eids and National Day celebrations. We, therefore, urge Metro users to be patient, not to push their way hastily to the trains, and read the tips and guidelines compiled by those Rail Agency specialists for the safety of all passengers. Commuters need not throng at the train doors as it is a key factor responsible for the slow traffic in boarding and alighting of the metro, Abdullah said.
“The success of the Metro is a real success for the city of Dubai and a true manifestation of the bustling passenger traffic. What we see today is an evidence of the urban mutation witnessed by the city of Dubai in various fields, the latest of which is the Dubai Metro; which succeeded in attracting many people towards using the metro as their main mode of transportation. It also contributed to reducing traffic congestions and gas emission from some vehicles and motorcycles thus assisting in conserving the environment and adding an atmosphere of fun and joy.”
Here is the total passenger count of the Metro stations from September 9 2009 to February 9 2010:
Khalid bin Khalid Station – 1,447,609 passengers (15%),
Al Ittihad Station – 1,323,532 passengers (13%)
Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station – 974,637 passengers (10%)
Deira City Center Station – 968,144 passengers (10%)
Al Rashidiya – 945,085 passengers (9%)
Financial Center Station – 826,480 passengers (8%)
Al Rigga Station – 714,686 passengers (7%)
Al Jafiliya – 542,583 passengers (6%)
Airport Terminal 3 Station with 377,396 passengers (4%)
Dubai Mall Station with 165,046 passengers (2%).
