By Essam al Ghalib www.thenational.ae
The developer of a Jebel Ali property project has pronounced itself pleased that the Roads and Transit Authority (RTA) has provided direct access to the Jebel Ali Metro station.
The RTA opened what was meant to serve as an emergency access to the south side of the stop after a number of tenants at The Galleries complained they had no access to the station within walking distance. Tenants and visitors can now reach the station, which opened March 11, via a dusty, sandy trail that starts approximately 300 metres from the stop.
“Limitless is delighted that the RTA has opened up passenger access to the Metro station serving The Galleries at Downtown Jebel Ali,” said Bahaa Abouhatab, the development’s project director. “This … will further cement its position as one of Dubai’s most sought-after business hubs and provide a convenient alternative to the car.”
Limitless also reported a positive take-up of the Metro among its tenants at The Galleries since the station opened. Nearly 15 per cent of the 150 Galleries staff of US-based Kraft Foods have used or intend to use it this week. The UK-based professional services firm Arup, which moved 70 workers into the Galleries on Sunday, said 10 per cent are commuting by Metro.
Arup is also encouraging Metro use among visiting staff by putting them up in a hotel in the Al Barsha area that is one block from the Metro.
Access to the Jebel Ali station from Jafza South comes by way of RTA bus F54, which runs every 30 minutes daily from 7:10am to 11:15pm. The public cannot enter the station from the north side unless they are employed at the Jebel Ali Free Zone and have identification to prove it.
