Dubai launches next week the first metro network in the Arab Gulf region but it remains to be seen whether motorists in the congested city state, where petrol is subsidised, will be won over.
The first line of a two-line luxury, driverless, automated metro system is set to open for business on Wednesday, but transport authorities now say only 10 of its 29 stations will be ready for the symbolic date of 09/09/09.
The challenge will now be to lure motorists enamoured with their petrol-guzzling cars to leave them behind and ride the metro in a city where traffic jams have always been a nightmare for road authorities.
There are more than one million vehicles registered in Dubai, with cars and buses accounting for some 88 percent of the total, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
This represents a car for nearly every two residents in Dubai, which is home to almost 1.6 million people -- mostly expatriates, according to official figures and more than two million according to estimates.
Petrol is also subsidised across the oil-rich United Arab Emirates and, until recently, car loans were easy to obtain.
"Dubai Metro aims to ease traffic congestion and reduce travelling time, which in effect will reduce air pollution caused by cars and improve air quality," RTA said in a statement.
But none of these issues seem of any concern to Emirati banker Saeed Ali, who is not ready to give up his 4X4 for the fancy blue metro trains which are already pacing the mostly elevated tracks in preparation.
"I don't think that I'll use the metro... I prefer to use my car," said the 24-year-old, although there is a metro station near his house and another near his office.
"There are many things in our life that we would need to abandon if environmental concerns were to be taken in consideration, not just cars," said Ali.
He said it takes him 20 minutes to get to work and prefers that to having to cope with crowds waiting to ride the metro.
Several expatriate car owners agreed that driving is more convenient and comfortable than having to walk to and from metro stations in Dubai, which can be miserable most of the year due to high levels of heat and humidity.
But many low-paid expatriates who rely on public transport or car-pooling, are ecstatic about the metro and cannot wait to enjoy the ride.
"Definitely, I will use the metro" said Bilal Ahmed, a 29-year-old Pakistani salesman who rides the bus to move around town.
"Time is very important for our business. Buses are always late and we have to wait for hours for an empty one to come," he said.
Ahmed spends 4.50 dirhams (1.2 dollars,0.85 euros) to travel by bus some 25 kilometres (15 miles) from central Dubai to the Jebel Ali industrial zone.
The RTA says that metro fares will be affordable for everyone. A trip from one end of the 52-kilometre (32 mile) Red Line to the other will cost 5.80 dirhams.
The Red Line -- which will be followed by a Green Line when the metro system is completed -- will run from near Dubai Airport to Jebel Ali, the region's largest port and free zone area.
"It will be easier to get to work," said Rahul Sharma, 32, an Indian salesman at a jewellery shop who car-pools with 24 other people, and spends 250 dirhams on transportation per month.
"We are ready to pay more for the train if it would save us time," said Sharma, adding that it currently takes him 90-minutes to cover 30 kilometres to get to work each morning.
Most of the time is wasted picking up the other members of the car-pool, he said.
Dubai began building the metro network in 2005 after awarding the project to a consortium led by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The metro will be operated and maintained by UK support services firm Serco.
But the building cost has nearly doubled from an initial 16 billion dirhams to 28 billion dirhams, the RTA said on Sunday.
RTA chief Mattar al-Tayer said the surge in cost was due to modifications to the original plan, which included extending the route and adding on new stations.
The project is financially "guaranteed by the Dubai government," Tayer said and the authorities have raised cash by allowing private sector enterprises to name many stations, with 490 million dollars secured so far.
Dubai has been struggling with mounting debt as a result of the global financial crisis that brought years of economic growth to a halt.
The remainder of the stations on the Red Line will open by February while the 23-kilometre (14-mile) Green Line, which has 18 stations and was scheduled to open in spring 2010, will now open in the summer of 2010.
The Dubai Metro appears to simulate the emirate's passion for luxury.
Golden shell-shaped stations were designed to evoke a Gulf tradition of pearl diving, while all window-covered walkways leading to the stations are air-conditioned.
Each train has a first-class coach -- not a common treat in metro networks.
Other oil-rich Gulf countries have meanwhile announced plans to build passenger railways, including the vast desert kingdom of Saudi Arabia which has plans for a 444-kilometre (275-mile) high-speed railroad linking the two Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina through the Red Sea port of Jeddah.
The Saudis are also building a 20-kilometre (12.5-mile) driverless monorail system in Mecca, to shuttle pilgrims to holy sites and alleviate congestion during the annual hajj pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia is the only Gulf Arab country to currently have a rail link, with a 450-kilometre (280-mile) route between Riyadh and Dammam, in the Eastern Province.
The Gulf Cooperation Council is meanwhile still studying a plan to build a rail network connecting its six members -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
--------------------
المشاركات: 43425 | من: الإمارَات العَربية المُتحدَة | تاريخ التسجيل: يونيو 2006
|
Laid-back commuters risk long queues on opening day
DUBAI // With fewer than six days before the opening of the Metro, commuters seem willing to risk long queues by buying their pre-paid passes on opening day.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has added 17 outlets to its list of ticket sellers and there will be plenty available next Wednesday, when the Red Line partially opens. But there could be long queues if everyone leaves it to the last moment.
“Cards went on sale two weeks ago and there are tons out there for everybody so there will be no shortage,” said Peyman Younes Parham, director of marketing and corporate communications at the RTA.
The first pre-paid card to be available, the Silver Nol, or Silver Fare, can be used on the Metro, buses and water taxis and will be valid from Wednesday.
It has been on sale at RTA service centres and, yesterday, branches of Spinneys, Carrefour and Waitrose supermarkets, and Redha al Ansari Exchanges, were added to the list of outlets.
But many future Metro travellers said they would buy their cards on the day they first used it. “I don’t think I will get any special fare for buying one now and I don’t even know how much it will cost or what stations are open,” said Khalish Chandran, an Indian.
Kate Gibson, from Britain, complained about a lack of information on the Metro despite its opening being so near.
“There are advertisements on the radio and some articles in the newspapers, but they don’t tell me how much it will cost,” she said.
“I know there will be cards like the Oyster card in London but I’m not sure how they will operate. I suppose I’ll find out on the day I use it.”
The Silver Nol card is the first of three cards. The others, not yet available, will be gold, giving access to the high-end gold-class carriages on the Metro, and blue, for students and senior citizens. The blue cards must be applied for through the RTA.
The Nol cards can be topped up at RTA service centres, station ticket booths and machines, and where the Nol card was originally purchased.
Silver cards will be valid for five years and can be topped up to as much as Dh500 (US$136) on their second refill. They cost Dh20 and come with Dh14 worth of silver-class travel. The remaining Dh6 is a one-off fee for the card.
For a trip under 3km in one of the five zones on a bus, the Metro or both, passengers will pay Dh1.80 with the Nol card. Longer journeys inside the zones will cost Dh2.30 with a Nol card and Dh2.50 otherwise. Travel outside the zones will be pro-rated.
A journey within any one of the zones will cost Dh2.30 on a Nol card, or Dh2.50 for a regular ticket. It will cost Dh4.10 on a Silver Nol card to travel through two zones, and Dh4.50 for a ticket.
Any journey that passes through three zones or more will cost Dh5.80 with the card and Dh6.50 with a ticket.
Yesterday, when the Waitrose supermarket in Marina Mall sold its first Nol card, to a reporter from The National, staff were at first mystified by the request, but a manager was quick to complete the sale.
A gold-class trip within one zone will cost Dh3.60 on a Gold Nol card or Dh4 using a ticket. A trip across three zones or more in gold class will cost Dh11.60.
A range of other cards will go on sale after next week’s launch, including a two-zone, 30-day adult pass that will cost Dh180, and a three-zone unlimited pass, which will cost Dh270.
A one-zone pass will cost Dh100. A 30-day student pass will cost Dh170, and a 30-day senior pass Dh200.
The RTA plans to introduce technology that will allow mobile-phone SIM cards to hold fares so they will be able to activate the Metro gates.
The pre-paid cards can also be used to pay for parking at three Metro stations. Commuters have 30 minutes between journeys to keep a fare active.
--------------------
المشاركات: 43425 | من: الإمارَات العَربية المُتحدَة | تاريخ التسجيل: يونيو 2006
|
Al Tayer: Bridges linking parking lot of Rashidiya metro station to open on 09/09
Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji: H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), announced the opening of all bridges leading to the entry and exit points of the parking lot attached to Rashidiya Metro Station as of 09/09. The bridges opening, which is synchronized with the emirate’s celebration of Dubai Metro launch, will ease the traffic flow from and to the parking lot of Rashidiya metro station, which has a capacity to house 2700 vehicles. Al Tayer stated that the project whose cost topped 698.9 million dirham included construction of directional ramps at the intersection of Emirates Road and Khawaneej Road, in addition to two bridges at Khawaneej Road, with a combined length of 2.5 km. “This project has been undertaken as part of RTA drive to upgrade key roads network in the emirate and link them with the parking lots attached to metro stations. RTA is stepping up efforts to implement several road improvement projects, and widen key and arterial roads in the emirate as envisioned in RTA Strategic Plan over the next few years” said Al Tayer. He added: “Rashidiya Station is a key station as it is the starting point of Dubai Metro Red Line. The station measures 130 meter in length and 30 meters in width, and has a capacity to handle 11,000 passengers per hour per direction. The Station has two entry points fitted with escalators and lifts to ensure smooth passenger traffic in & out of the Station, along with a parking lot to accommodate 2714 vehicles so as to lure motorists to use the metro in their mobility within the emirate of Dubai. “The ground floor of the parking building is designated for feeder buses, and the design of the building has been customized to accommodate articulated and double-deck buses to ensure smooth bus traffic and the ability to handle several buses at a time. The building is also linked with a footbridge linking the other side of the road with the metro station such that it won’t take more than 3 minutes to walk from the farthest parking slot to the entry of the Station. The building has also been equipped with all safety requirements needed for passenger traffic within the parking lot. “Undertaking such projects highlights RTA efforts to provide fast and smooth roads network for commuters to access Dubai Metro stations; which is part of the master plan to upgrade mass transit modes in the emirate and attract new riders, thereby ease road traffic congestions and raise the percentage of trips made by public transport modes from 6% to 30%. Such objective could only be realized with the provision of top quality mass transit modes at affordable cost and with a wide geographical coverage to compete with private vehicles. More efforts are also needed to raise the public awareness, orient the culture of using mass transportation of the community, and foster the integration with multi-modal transport such as public buses, Dubai Metro and marine transport” said Al Tayer in a final remark.
--------------------
المشاركات: 43425 | من: الإمارَات العَربية المُتحدَة | تاريخ التسجيل: يونيو 2006
|
Dubai: With just four days before the launch of Dubai Metro on Wednesday, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has expressed his excitement.
Shaikh Mohammad is "very excited about the launch of the Dubai Metro on 09/09/09 - a historic milestone that reflects what Dubai is capable of achieving", his status update on his public Facebook page read.
A total of 2,304 people gave his update a virtual "thumbs up", and almost 900 sent congratulatory messages.
As a user-generated content site, Facebook users are able to comment on his status updates and make virtual friends with him on his unrestricted profile, which allows the general public to view his photo albums, videos, personal information and "poke" Shaikh Mohammad (to get his virtual attention).
Shaikh Mohammad previously uploaded a personal profile page on Facebook, but announced that he was migrating to a public page, after the huge number of friend requests.
The public profile or fan page option allows public figures, businesses, community groups such as universities or music organisations or bands, to create representative awareness. .
He set up his Facebook profile at the end of June and has uploaded several photo albums, including family images, and has posted a link to his recent tour of the Labour and Social Affairs Ministries.
Shaikh Mohammad currently has almost 80,000 fans on Facebook.
Meanwhile, a Metro enthusiasts' group on the social network is arranging to travel on the Metro on Wednesday.
"The most awaited Dubai Metro is almost here. We plan to collect as many enthusiasts as possible to discover what it feels like taking the first ride on Dubai Metro. This is the first of its kind in history," the event page reads.
A total of 619 have replied confirming their attendance on September 9.
--------------------
المشاركات: 43425 | من: الإمارَات العَربية المُتحدَة | تاريخ التسجيل: يونيو 2006
|
Jebel Ali stations to help workers get easy access to city's malls, cinemas
More 50,0000 workers living in the labour accommodation will benefit from the Energy Station and the Jebel Ali Industrial Station on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro.
With the launching of the metro, these workers will no more be living in isolation away from the city as they can take the metro and come to the shopping malls, cinemas and parks in the city without depending on their company buses and expensive taxis.
Apart from catering to the labour accommodations, the Energy Metro Station will also provide access to thousands of employees working at the Dubai Aluminum Company Lt (Dubal). The station was earlier called Dubal Station but recently was renamed as Energy Station due to its proximity to the Dubai Electricity and Power Authority plants.
Dubal is Dubai's industrial flagship and the largest single site aluminium smelter in the world. It was established in 1979 and over the years it has transformed into a global aluminium producer, generating a total volume of approximately 890,000 metric tonnes of quality hot metal in 2008.
These stations will also bring a great relief for thousands of employees who have to travel from Sharjah and Dubai city to offices and industries in the Jebel Ali Industrial area as they can avoid traffic congestion on Shaikh Zayed Road by using the metro.
Both the stations, will, however, be opened by February next year.
Both the stations will be served by feeder buses to help carry passengers to and from nearby areas.
Feeder bus number F51 will link the Energy Metro Station to Dewa Station and the service will be operated every 10 minutes.
Bus number F47 will carry passengers from the Jebel Ali Industrial Station to the Jebel Ali Industrial Area, which has hundreds of companies and factories.
The Energy Station will be the most convenient station for those going to churches near Jebel Ali Village.
The Church compound houses St Francis Assissi Church, Dubai Evangelical Church, Catholic Church and Christ Church. A Sikh Gurudwara is also located in the same premises.
--------------------
المشاركات: 43425 | من: الإمارَات العَربية المُتحدَة | تاريخ التسجيل: يونيو 2006
|
Gulf News readers get ready to celebrate birthdays with Metro
Dubai: As the Dubai Metro gears up to set out on its first official journey, several Gulf News readers are celebrating another joyous occasion on the much-awaited launch date - their birthdays.
Mohammad Al Shair, a Jordanian expatriate, will be turning 36 on September 9. Having lived in the UAE for 13 years, Al Shair is looking forward to the launch of the Metro.
He said: "I live in Sharjah and would not mind using the Metro on a daily basis. It would be highly convenient for me, as I have to travel a lot for meetings."
Al Shair hopes that the Metro will ease the traffic situation once fully operational.
Another reader who carries the same views is Mohammad Shams, who will be celebrating his 20th birthday on the same day.
He said: "Like thousands of Dubai residents, I too am excited to travel on the first Metro ride, but the excitement for me is doubled! I am a student in Dubai and drive to university every day, which ends up being quite expensive. The Metro will be a relief."
Anuradha Gopala-krishnan, an Indian expatriate, is thrilled to celebrate her 31st birthday on the same day as the launch of the Metro.
She said: "We are eagerly waiting for the Metro. I am planning to go along with my family for a ride on its inaugural day."
Another excited reader, Zainab S. Bahrainwala was surprised to hear the launch date of the Metro as she turns 30 on the same day.
She said: "I have been raised in Dubai and I would like to use the Metro every day. I am willing to give up my car for it, as I am tired of the traffic congestion."
Rafia Saeed, a Pakistani expatriate, agrees.
She said: "I would love to be among the first passengers on September 9. I would want to visit malls [via] the Metro. I think it would be a big relief and one would not have to suffer the traffic congestion."
Rafia was born and raised in Dubai. She turns 20 the day the Metro is launched.
Renato B. Arganda, a Filipino expatriate, has been living in Dubai for more than 13 years, and he turns 40 on September 9.
"I will be using the Metro on the weekends for I know it will be faster than driving," he said.
Several parents wrote in to Gulf News in the hopes of making their child's September 9 birthday a little more special.
Among these children is Taim Slama, a Tunisian-Egyptian expatriate, who will be celebrating his first birthday this year. His parents are planning to take him for a ride on the Metro at 9am, as according to his father, that is the exact time he was born a year ago.
Another young reader, Simran Mehta, is looking forward to celebrating her Metro-themed birthday party as she turns six.
Her father Sanjay, told Gulf News that they have planned a trip on the Dubai Metro along with 25 of Simran's friends.
The catch is - everyone is required to wear red attire and carry a red balloon, to celebrate the launch of the Metro's Red Line. Red also happens to be his daughter's favourite colour.
The celebrations are also set for Gulf News reader Mohammad Seddiq's son Mohammad Rafae, who will be turning five on the day of the Metro's launch.
Seddiq said: "We plan to celebrate his birthday at home as it is Ramadan, but we have plans to go out after dinner for a ride on the Metro. We are proud to be in Dubai as the Metro becomes a part of this modern city."
One reader who is proud of her special date of birth is Sarah Farooq Qasim. Born in South Carolina, US, on September 9, 1999, Sarah is eagerly anticipating the launch of the Metro.
She said: "I have never been on a [train like this] before, so this would be a new experience."
Her mother, Salma Farooq Khan, told Gulf News that the family moved to the UAE in 2005 from Islamabad, Pakistan.
She explained: "I have travelled around the world and have used the metro in places like New York. The one in Dubai will be of great assistance to passengers, too."
When it comes to special dates, Sanuja Sanil is not far behind, as she would be celebrating her ninth birthday on September 9.
Her family intends to travel on the Metro the same day, as it is an extremely special event.
Her father, T.S. Sanil said: "We have been waiting for our daughter's ninth birthday since the day she was born, but we never ever expected that the Metro would be launched on the same day!"
--------------------
المشاركات: 43425 | من: الإمارَات العَربية المُتحدَة | تاريخ التسجيل: يونيو 2006
|
إرسال هذه الصفحه لصديق!
لطباعه هذا الموضوع
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[crazy]](graemlins/crazy.gif)
![البريد الإلكتروني «[.MASTER.]»](http://salmiyaforum.net/ubb/email_ubb6.gif)
![[heartpump]](graemlins/heartpump.gif)
A N N E 
![[super]](graemlins/super.gif)
