Keolis to take over Dubai Metro maintenance from Serco
Al Tayer: Dubai Metro has carried 1.7 billion riders through the years of journey
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced yesterday that Keolis MHI Rail Management and Operation LLC has taken over the responsibility of operating and maintaining Dubai Metro as well as the operation of Dubai Tram from Serco Middle East.
The handing/taking over coincided with the 12th anniversary of Dubai Metro, which started operation on 09/09/2009. Since then, the metro services recorded highly successful global indicators in terms of safety and operational efficiency as reflected in trips punctuality of 99.7 per cent and ridership of more than 1.706 billion passengers until the end of last August.
The handing/taking over of operations ceremony, which was held at Al Rashidiya Metro Depot, was attended by Mattar Mohammad Al Tayer, DirectorGeneral, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority. Attendees also included Serco Group Middle East CEO Phil Malem, Keolis Group International CEO, Bernard Tabary, Director of Transport Security at Dubai Police Brigadier Obaid Al Hathboor.
Backbone of Transport
“Undertaken under the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Metro currently constitutes the backbone of transportation systems in Dubai. It links vital areas and provides safe and smooth mobility for riders. The huge successes of Dubai Metro have gone far and wide beyond the scope of the Emirate. The metro has embellished the global profile of Dubai as a superior business hub and a key destination for an exceptional quality of life. The metro is a brilliant addition to Dubai’s iconic landmarks as it uses state-of-the-art rail technology,” said Al Tayer.
“Billed as the longest driverless metro project worldwide, Dubai Metro contributed to boosting the global competitiveness of Dubai and its success in hosting mega-events.”