DUBAI – The emirate cares. And the Dubai Metro proves that. When it opens next month, the Dubai Metro will bring joy to residents with special needs, too.
Audio-visual guidance devices and information display designed to suit the requirements of hearing and visually-impaired individuals are just two examples of the fact that the much-awaited transport system is truly meant for all citizens of the emirate.
“Facilities include floor sensors to guide them to the doors of Metro platforms, right up to the places designated for their seating.
“Services customised to suit these individuals also include lifts, escalators and ATMs, as well as designated places for wheel chairs fitted with safety belts,” said Mattar Al Tayer, the Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA earlier.
“Train cars are fitted with high definition audio-visual information systems to serve all categories of passengers, particularly those with special needs,” he said.
Ramadan Abdullah, the director of the Rail Operations Department at the Rail Agency said that, in line with international standards, the stations have been designed with a Barrier Free Access System to allow easy access for all.
Wheelchair-bound passengers will be able to proceed without any hassle from the drop-off point to their destination. Stations have lifts and escalators at the entrance of the concourse and the platform.
The visually impaired will be helped by the Braille signage and tactile guidance paths on the floor.
Lifts have clear signage as well as both audio and visual alarm bells for the visually impaired and blinking lights for those with hearing impairment. The lifts have been designed to accommodate up to 17 people.
Wider fare collection gates to accommodate wheel chair-bound people have also been installed.
Ticket counters have also been set up within easy reach of the wheel chair-bound. In addition, there will be visual and audio announcements inside the trains and special toilets for people with special needs. The trains will have special spaces to keep wheelchairs, the official said.
special facilities for special needs
– floor sensors up to the entrance of the Metro platforms and through to designated seating areas.
– lifts, escalators and ATMs, as well as designated places for wheel chairs fitted with safety belts.
– train cars fitted with high definition audio-visual information systems to serve all categories of passengers.
– barrier Free Access System according to international standards.
– wider fare collection gates to accommodate wheel chair-bound people.
– tactile guidance paths on the floor for the visually impaired.
