Dubai Metro: Streaking across the Dubai skyline
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Dubai Metro is the first rapid rail transit system in the Middle East region. Introduced with the vision of easing traffic problems in this metropolis, the 70km long Metro today is the world’s largest automated train system. A total of 13.68 million passengers have been carried on the network between 09 Sep 2009 and end March 2010 (dubai faqs.com). The Metro currently operates from 5am to 12:30am daily and special provisions are made for differently-abled passengers. The punctuality rate of the Dubai Metro is the highest in the world, with a rate of 99.69 per cent in the first six months of operations. With patronage ranging from students and businessmen to tourists, an increasing number of commuters are swearing by the Metro as their transport of choice for its comfort and reliable speed. The Metro has been helpful in alleviating the traffic crisis and the lack of parking places in heavily populated areas. “The Metro is both convenient and cost effective”, says Mr Sheldon Dsouza, who uses the Metro to get to his university in Knowledge Village. Full of praise for the Metro, the student says he often uses the 20 minute ride to read up on his course work.
While some complain of the repetitive metro music track, others complain of the rules and regulations imposed by the Metro. Commuters Mr Shafiq Khan and Mr N. Rizvi however, are of the opinion that these regulations are required to keep the Metro running smoothly. “A disorganized metro system despoils the image of our beautiful city”, says Mr Rizvi. “The Metro is well networked”, says Mr Shafiq, “But this service may be limited to only those who have metro lines and stations close to their offices.”
Mrs Indu Nair takes the Metro daily to her workplace on Shaikh Zayed Road. “Not having to face the traffic en-route to work, means that I reach the office fresh and energised”, she says. “The fares are affordable to all, and I regularly see many other office goers like myself on my way. I can’t say much about corporate employees, but the Metro aids the retail sector, and is extremely beneficial for white collar employees like myself”
It is a lesser known fact that the idea of connecting the city via rail has its origins back in 1992, when the nation’s leaders determined to deal with the escalating traffic problems in the region. The Metro complements the effective RTA Bus and boat routes, reducing traffic and cutting down on travel time, whilst also being environmentally friendly. With an overwhelmingly positive public response to the efficient and smoothly run trains, and only a few raised eyebrows, the Metro is definitely here to stay. The summer of 2010 will determine the true success of the Metro, as commuters may prefer to use cars and buses rather than walk to the nearest metro station.
“The Salik free Metro ride is the smoothest transport option for people like me, who spend almost 3 hours on the road on a daily basis”, says Mr Sajid Mallik, who used to drive from Sharjah to his office in Barsha. Today, Mr Mallik parks his car at the Rashidiya Station, and uses the Metro to reach his destination. “When in the Metro, I plan out my day, and work on my laptop in peace, well before I reach the office.”
In keeping with its civic service objective, the project may prove to not be economically self-sustaining in the long run. However, built in less than 4 years, the Metro stands as a testament to the vision of the nation’s leaders in making Dubai the centre of the world.
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