Dubai Metro on track for 2009 opening

Dubai's Dhs15.5 billion ($4.2 billion) Metro rail system is on target to open in September 2009, according to the Road Traffic Association (RTA), which is managing the project.Around 7,000 people are working around the clock on the project at different sites across the city. Once completed, 87 fully automated, driverless, trains will run on the Red and Green Lines, which will comprise over 75 kilometres of track.
Almost 2 million people will be able to use the Metro when it is completed.Dubai's RTA is planning for the Metro to form the backbone of an integrated public transport system. Bus routes and stops will be organised around the railway, making it accessible without the use of private cars for most communities in Dubai. Taxi stations and Park & Ride facilities will be included in key Metro stations to further enhance the central role of the Metro System.Passengers will be able to buy tickets or electronic passes that will allow travel on both buses, trains and perhaps even trams in the future.

Details released yesterday confirmed that there will be a total of 47 stations. The 52 kilometre Red Line, which will eventually run from the Airport Free Zone to Jebel Ali via the International Airport and Sheikh Zayed Road, will have 29 stations. The 22.5 kilometre Green Line will begin in Rashidya, loop round Deira City Centre and Healthcare City, before ending almost back at its starting point at Festival City. It will have 18 stations.The lines will cross at Union Square and BurJuman Centre, where passengers will be able to change trains.Unlike most urban transport systems in the West, Dubai's Metro will have segregated carriages for different types of passengers.The more expensive Golden Class will offer a greater level of comfort than Silver Class. There will also be a family carriage for women and children on each train. Source