Dubai Metro users expected to double

Dubai's public transportation network will get a major boost with the completion of the Dubai Metro project and the inauguration of the Green Line, as the number of Metro passengers is expected to more than double. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will inaugurate the Dubai Metro Green Line on September 9, it was announced on Tuesday. The inauguration marks the completion of the longest driverless rail project in the world as well as the biggest vital transport project across the region. The Green Line stretches over 23 kilometres and comprises of 18 stations, including two transfer stations — Union and Khalid Bin Al Waleed Stations — which are shared with the Red Line.All stations will become operational except Al Jadaf and Creek Stations, although both these stations are ready, as the property projects intended to be served by these two stations have yet to be completed, according to a statement issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said that the completion of the Dubai Metro project emphasises the continuous support and keen attention for the project from Shaikh Mohammad. "According to the study carried out by the RTA for the areas covered by the Green Line, 14 trains will be operated during peak hours and 10 trains during off-peak hours with a service frequency (headway) ranging from 6 to 8 minutes. Accordingly, the number of trains operated on both the Red and Green lines will shoot to 50 trains during peak times and 28 trains during off-peak times," he said. The Red and Green lines of Dubai Metro intersect at two stations; the first at the Union Station; which is the biggest underground metro station in the world spanning an area of 25,000 sq metres, and second at Khalid Bin Al Waleed Station. Once opened, the Metro passengers will be able to change trains to reach the destination of their choice along the Green or Red Line. The passengers can do so using the two underground transfer stations — Union Square and Khalid Bin Al Waleed. Twelve out of the 20 stations are elevated stations, while the remaining eight, including the two transfer stations are underground. Al Tayer stressed that the number of Metro riders will increase considerably with the Green Line as it serves dynamic and high-density commercial, government and residential areas. From / Gulf News