Taylor Scott International News
Dubai tram test run to continue till November 10 Lily B. Libo-on / 22 January 2014 Powered by electricity to reduce the pollution, tram to be the fastest, more reliable, and eco-friendly way to get around. The testing of Dubai Tram, a rail vehicle that will run heavily on tracks along streets spanning 10.6 kilometres from Dubai Marina to Al Sufouh, begins at Zone 1 on January 26. Tracks being laid of Al Sufouh Tramway from Dubai Marina. – KT photos by Rahul Gajjar The Dubai Tram, which measures 44 meters in length, with fully air-conditioned carriages designed as a combination of luxurious interiors and state-of-the-art technology, will go for testing on January 26 for Zone 1, April 16 for Zone 2 and June 14 for Zone 3 and will continue until November 10. However, during the testing, Dubai Tram will not be open to passengers. A part of Dubai Government’s effort to provide a modern and integrated public transit system to efficiently serve densely populated areas and new developed areas in the emirate, Dubai Tram will also have allocated spaces for passengers using wheel chairs or mobility aid. “This area is marked with a wheelchair symbol and will have special marked call buttons that allow passengers using wheelchairs or mobility aids extra time to get in and out of the Tram. It will also have access ramps for mobility-impaired passengers, including people in wheelchairs, parents with prams and the elderly,” RTA said. Designed to be an environment-friendly transportation, the Dubai Tram is expected to be the choice of residents, who will leave their cars at home and take the Tram, to go around Dubai. It is powered by electricity to reduce the pollution from the daily traffic jams, making it the fastest, more reliable, and eco-friendly way to get around. RTA said the Dubai Tram has a maximum speed of 50km/hour with a total trip time of 42 minutes and with a capacity of 405 passengers who will be aboard the four cars for the silver class, two cars for women and children, and one car for the gold class. “Dubai Trams are quiet and run on much wider tracks so they cannot swerve to avoid obstacles. It will be running along seven stations such as Jumeirah Beach Residence 1, Jumeirah Beach Residence 2, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, Marina Towers, Mina Seyahi, Media City, Palm Jumeirah, to Knowledge Village and Al Sufouh,” the RTA said. The Dubai Tram system is integrated with Dubai Metro system at two stations in Dubai Marina and in Jumeirah Lakes Towers. “Footbridges provide a direct link between the two adjacent Tram and Metro stations for a smooth and seamless interchange for passengers between the two systems. To top it all, Dubai Tram stations are designed to be in harmony with the Metro stations reflecting the region’s art and ethnic heritage yet set in urban context. Designs are in five different styles, either at ground level or elevated, at roadside or at the median. — lily@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Taylor Scott International
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