BILLION RIDERS OVER 12 YEARS
LONGTIME RIDERS HAIL SERVICE AS CONVENIENT, PRACTICAL, ECONOMICAL
A lifeline for both residents and visitors, the Dubai Metro launched on September 9, 2009, reflects the emirate’s stature as a global hub for commerce, tourism and leisure. Route 2020 now connects the larger city to the Expo 2020 Dubai site
It is a super convenient mode of transportation. The timing is nearperfect. It is the most reliable mode of public transport in Dubai. It takes me around 45 minutes to reach my destination.”
Dubai Metro turns 12 today. Since its launch by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) at 09:09:09pm on a Wednesday, September 9, 2009, Dubai Metro has been a massive success with a total of 1.7 billion commuters using the service.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had inaugurated the Red Line of Dubai Metro, spanning 52km and comprising 29 stations (four underground, 24 elevated and one at-grade).
Two years later, on September 9, 2011, Shaikh Mohammad launched the Green Line, extending 23km and comprising 18 stations (six underground and 12 elevated). The Red and Green Lines intersect at the Union and Burjuman stations. It is the world’s longest, automated, driverless train system — which is a tourist attraction as well!
Joel Monteiro | Indian expatriate
Life on the Metro
Dubai Metro serves as the lifeline for many residents and visitors as well. Indian expatriate Joel Monteiro, 41, who works for a private company in Dubai, said he opted not to buy a car and instead decided to use the Metro extensively. Joel commutes to his work daily by the Metro and he has been doing this for the last seven years. “It is a super convenient mode of transportation. The timing is near-perfect. It is the most reliable mode of public transport in Dubai.”
Joel takes the Metro from Sharaf DG Station near his residence and travels all the way to Dubai Internet City. “It takes me around 45 minutes to reach my destination,” he said.
Making friends on Metro
Filipina expatriate Mary Kris Lagura, 31, working as an optician assistant, uses the Dubai Metro daily to work. She has been travelling on the Metro for the past two years. “I see the same people on the Metro. Some of us have even become friends. The Dubai Metro is a huge money saver for me.”
She recalled that initially, when she started using this mode of transportation, it was not very convenient for her. “I had a fair amount of walking to do to reach the station, but ever since I moved to Ibn Battuta for my job, it has been great.”
The convenience factor
South African expat Hendrick Beukes, 50, said: “If one needs to travel over a longer distance in the city in a short span of time then Dubai Metro is the best option. I use the Metro when I need to drop my car off at the garage. I also use it when I feel a bit lazy to drive and want to save on time, traffic and parking fees. The Metro is super convenient in that respect.”
Just perfect
Filipina Bai Norhaya, 39, a laboratory quality manager at a private hospital in Dubai, also said the Metro was a practical means of transportation for her. “To reach certain places in Dubai, the Metro is just perfect. The Metro is a convenient option in many cases.”
Indian expatriate Hamza Moghal, 15, a grade 11 student at Deira International School, feels that travelling by the Metro gives him a great sense of independence. “My friends and I only use the Metro when we go out and meet each other as it is completely safe.”