Source:  www.rta.ae Dubai Tram FACEBOOK
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the official operation of the Dubai Tram; which stretches in the first stage 10.6 km and spans 11 stations dotting densely populated and activity areas, will open tomorrow (Tuesday evening).
Dubai Tram is considered the first tram outside Europe powered by ground electric cables extending throughout the tramway, thus obviating the need for centenary cables. It is also the first tram in the world that uses the technology of platform screen doors the mechanism of which is synchronized with the opening and closing of the tram doors in order to provide additional comfort, safety and security to riders, besides maintaining the efficiency of the air-conditioning of the internal environment of stations and carriages and protecting it from the impacts of external climatic conditions.
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said: “The Dubai Tram is a brainchild of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide an advanced transit system that serves the JBR, Marina and Sufouh. At the establishment of the RTA in 2005, HH directed to thrash out integrated and comprehensive solutions for the area in order to accommodate the huge urbanization projects in the neighborhood, particularly the JBR and the Marina. Through an international consultant, the RTA compiled a comprehensive study which concluded that the area needs an integrated solution involving radical improvements of roads network, intersections and a mass transit system linked to the Dubai Metro and Monorail of the Palm Jumeirah.
“HH had endorsed the findings of the study and directed to have a unique tram system unprecedented worldwide in terms of safety and luxury in order to deliver classy services to residents and visitors of Dubai Emirate. On this basis the Dubai Tram has been designed and constructed at world-class standards prevailing in the tram manufacturing industry. The Dubai Tram is considered the first is considered the first tram outside Europe powered by ground electric cables extending throughout the tramway, thus obviating the need for centenary cables. It is also the first tram in the world that uses the technology of platform screen doors the mechanism of which is synchronized with the opening and closing of the tram doors. It is also the first tram in the world that uses automatic protection technology in order to ensure higher levels of comfort, security and safety to riders, the first tram in the world that has air-conditioned passenger stations, and the first tram that has Gold Class, Ladies & Children and Silver Class cabins. The Dubai Tram boasts of high-class and deluxe internal finishing works of carriages and stations. The tram is fitted with edge cutting technologies in displaying information and entertainment materials. Some stations of the tram have air-conditioned bridges fitted with escalators and lifts and the project caters to the needs of various community segments, especially the disabled and elderlies.
“The tram aims to improve the mobility within Dubai in general and areas of tourist & economic importance served by the tramway in particular. It also contributes to boosting the integrated public transport systems in the Emirate, providing a smooth, handy and highly efficient transit experience within communities characterized by business and tourist importance in the city of Dubai. It also enhances the business, trade and tourism structures as well as the economic base of the Emirate, besides minimizing carbon emissions, sustaining the environment, and improving the living environment of residents.
The initial and second phases of the Dubai Tram extend 14.6 km along Safouh Street and the initial stage stretches 10.6 km starting from the Marina up to the Tram Depot nearby the Dubai Police Academy. The entire tram network spans 17 stations and the initial stage covers the construction of 11 stations (JBR 1, JBR 2, JLT, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, Marina Towers, Mina Siyahi, Dubai Media City, the Palm Jumeirah, Knowledge Village, and Safouh). Stations have been located to serve densely populated and activity areas along the tramway. The tram fleet comprises 11 trams under the initial stage, and 14 trams will be added in the second stage to bring the total to 25 trams. The tram is expected to serve about 27 thousand riders at the start of operations in 2014 and the ridership is anticipated to hit about 66 thousand riders by 2020.
Each tram measures 44 meters in length and has a capacity to accommodate 405 riders. The tram consists of seven carriages including gold, silver cabins in addition to a cabin dedicated to ladies and children. The Dubai Tram boasts of high-class and deluxe internal finishing works of carriages and stations. The tram is fitted with edge cutting technologies in displaying information and entertainment materials. Passengers platform at stations extends 45 meters and is fitted with screen doors extending along the platform, automated doors, fare collection machines and facilities customized for the use of special needs.
The tramway runs principally at the grade besides Safouh Street, and rises in viaducts at certain locations at the Dubai Marina for considerations relating to the urban environment of the area. The tram links with the Dubai Metro at two stations: Damac Properties and JLT through pedestrian bridges to ease the transfer of passengers between the two modes. The Tramway also intersects with the monorail of the Palm Jumeirah at the Palm Jumeirah on  Safouh Street to ease the movement and transfer of riders between the communities served by both projects. More info
