Dubai: Dubai Metro has reached a significant milestone as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reported that the number of passengers who have used the metro has exceeded two billion since its public launch on September 9, 2009. The announcement highlights the metro’s growing popularity as a reliable mode of transportation in Dubai.
According to the RTA, the Dubai Metro’s Red Line has ferried over 1.342 billion passengers, while the Green Line has served 673.531 million commuters. The metro system’s impressive punctuality rate of 99.7 percent, which exceeds international safety standards, is a testament to its exceptional operational efficiency. The sustained growth and success of the Dubai Metro affirm Dubai’s steadfast commitment to providing a secure and dependable transportation system for its commuters.
On the occasion, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attributed the success of Dubai’s world-class transportation network to the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness emphasized that Sheikh Mohammed’s commitment to building a city that would serve as a role model for future cities led to the investment in several infrastructure projects that adhered to the highest international standards of operational efficiency, ensuring top-notch service delivery.
In 2022, the average daily ridership of the Dubai Metro exceeded 616,000 passengers, indicating the RTA effective efforts to promote public transportation usage. This achievement also reflects a positive shift in the community’s perception of public transport, as they have recognized the advantages of smoother transportation and reduced fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
The increase in Dubai Metro ridership during this period can be attributed to various factors. These include the opening of new stations as part of the Route 2020 project, as well as effective measures taken to ensure a swift recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact. The coordination between the Rail Agency and other relevant departments within the RTA has undoubtedly played a vital role in successfully hosting major international events such as Dubai Expo 2020, FIFA World Cup 2022, and significant exhibitions such as Gulf Food, The Big 5, among others.
The Dubai Metro retains its position as the world’s longest driverless metro project and serves as the flagship project for both the RTA and Dubai’s public transportation network. The metro system comprises the Red and Green Lines, spanning over 89.3 km, connecting 53 stations, and serviced by a fleet of 129 trains. The facilities and services available at the Dubai Metro stations are recognized as some of the finest globally.
RTA has become the first organization globally to receive the largest number of Gold certificates from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for a transport project classified as v4 BD + C: NC. This remarkable accomplishment is attributed to various factors, such as the careful selection of station locations, the implementation of power and water conservation strategies, the reduction of carbon emissions, the use of appropriate and recyclable building materials, and the minimization of construction waste.
The Rail Operations Control Centre managed by RTA is one of the world’s most advanced control centres, overseeing the daily operations of the Red and Green lines of the metro service 24/7. The centre operates with the utmost precision, speed, and adherence to the highest standards of safety, security, and rider convenience. The centre’s contribution was instrumental in elevating Dubai Metro’s safety, operational efficiency, and service punctuality to the highest international standards. Furthermore, the centre expedited maintenance operations, decision-making, and reduced the possibility of malfunctions.