(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)
Published: Sun 8 Sep 2024, 5:26 PM
Last updated: Sun 8 Sep 2024, 9:47 PM
Dubai Metro, the cornerstone of the city's public transport network, will be turning 15 tomorrow, Monday, September 9. This milestone marks exactly 15 years since the ruler of Dubai inaugurated the region's first and the world's longest driverless metro rail system.
On that memorable day, September 9, 2009, at precisely the 9th second of the 9th minute of 9pm, sheikh Mohammed tapped the first Nol card to officially commence Dubai Metro's operations.
The excitement was palpable. As Khaleej Times reported, fireworks and laser show lit up the sky as thousands of people gathered around to witness the historic event as Sheikh Mohammed, senior government officials, dignitaries, VIPs, and journalists took the maiden Metro ride from the Mall of the Emirates station towards Rashidiya Station on the Red Line.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Sep 9, 2009: Fireworks at the Mall of the Emirates Metro station after inauguration of the Dubai Metro. KT File photo
Residents applauded, some motorists pulled over, and a sense of satisfaction and immense pride filled everyone's heart as they witnessed the Metro's inaugural run, an event that many believed would transform both the life and landscape of the city for the better.
September 9, 2009: Sheikh Mohammed boarded the Metro at the Mall of the Emirates Station along with other officials. Photo: Wam file
At 9.11pm, Sheikh Mohammed and hundreds of VIPs as well as the media boarded the train. The first stop was Dubai International Financial Centre, where Sheikh Mohammed stepped off and placed a golden commemorative coin.
September 9, 2009: Its first stop was Dubai International Financial Centre, where Sheikh Mohammed stepped off and placed a golden commemorative coin. Photo: Wam file
Fireworks erupted again between Financial Centre and Khalid bin Waleed stations. Then at Union Square Station station, Sheikh Mohammed signed a secret letter to the youth of the UAE. The letter was kept in a special container to be opened at a time decided by him.
Other Metro stations also had legacy markers, including an etched poem at Khalid Bin Walid station (Burjuman); mosaic portrait at Dubai Airport Terminals3 Station; and Lego sculpture at Rashidiya station.
An hour and four minutes after the start of its first official journey, the train arrived at Rashidiya station at 10.15pm.
For the UAE and the Arab world
At the end of the historic journey, Sheikh Mohammed said Dubai Metro“is a source of pride to the people of the UAE and the brotherly peoples of the Arab world”. He praised the efforts and perseverance of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)“in putting together this huge achievement which is poised to add value to our national economy and to boost the tourism industry in our country.”
“The Metro will change lifestyles and perceptions,” added Mattar al Tayer, RTA chairman of the board and executive director, adding:“We achieved in four years what Singapore and Switzerland did not do in 10 years combined.
'Where's the driver?'
Ten of the 29 stations along the Red Line were the first to open that time. Initially, Dubai residents were afraid to take the Metro when it began public operations in September 2009 because there was no driver, said al Tayer.
To address these concerns, Al Tayer, who was in charge, implemented a strategy to place a person in front of the Metro train to give the appearance of a driver. This tactic was part of a broader effort to build public trust in the new system.
Initially, ridership was modest, with daily numbers ranging between 20,000 and 30,000, a far cry from its current daily ridership of around 730,000.
Now, Dubai Metro is the most popular mode of transport in the city. Since 2009, Dubai Metro has served about 2.4 billion riders across 4.3 million journeys, operating through 53 stations with a fleet of 129 trains. It has also maintained a punctuality rate of 99.7 per cent, surpassing international safety standards with its exceptional operational efficiency.
Commuters rush for metro ticket on first day at the Mall of Emirates metro station on Thursday, September 10, 2009. KT Photo: Rahul Gajjar
Commuters enjoy their first Dubai Metro ride, September 10, 2009. File photo
Dubai tourists enjoy their metro ride on September 10, 2009. File photo
Resident makes use of wireless technology while riding the new trains of the Dubai Metro system on the first day after the Metro's official inauguration in Dubai, UAE, on Thursday, September 10, 2009. KT Photo: Manuel Salazar
Moving forward
On June 30 this year, the Executive Council of Dubai announced plans to expand Dubai Metro to 96 stations (stretching 140 km) by 2030, with plans to have 140 stations (covering 228 km) by 2040. The expansion of Dubai Metro over the coming few years is aimed at increasing the share of public transport across the emirate to 45 per cent, reducing carbon emissions to 16 tonnes per capita, and improving efficiency and convenience of sustainable transport, according RTA.
ALSO READ:
UAE: Discount Nol cards, limited-edition ice cream on Dubai Metro's 15th anniversary
Dubai: Are you a Metro baby? RTA may sponsor your education
'From 2 hours to 40 mins': How Dubai Metro cut travel time, changed residents' lives over 15 years
MENAFN08092024000049011007ID1108649641
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.