Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has announced ambitious plans for the Dubai Metro as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. He aims for every train to arrive on time, highlighting the importance of punctuality and quality in the emirate’s public transport system.
A Milestone Achievement
Since its launch on September 9, 2009, the Dubai Metro has transported 2.4 billion passengers and boasts an impressive punctuality rate of 99.7%. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that achieving a 100% punctuality rate is now the new goal, stating, “Commitment to appointments is a culture, a virtue, and a noble cultural value.”
A Symbol of Dubai’s Culture
The Dubai Metro represents the emirate’s dedication to quality and efficiency. Sheikh Mohammed expressed gratitude to the Metro workers for their efforts in maintaining these cultural values. He noted that the project reflects Dubai’s ethos of creating the best living and working environment.
Growth and Expansion
Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed praised the Metro’s growth, which began with 20,000 passengers daily and has now surged to over 730,000 passengers. This growth underscores Dubai’s capability to execute mega projects effectively.
Promoting Public Transport
The Dubai Metro plays a crucial role in promoting public transport and reducing traffic congestion. In the previous year, more than 700 million journeys were made using various public transport modes, including the Metro, tram, and buses. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reported a 15% increase in Metro journeys in 2023, totaling 260 million rides.
Future Developments
Dubai plans to expand its Metro and tram stations significantly by 2040, with the current count of 55 stations set to increase to 96 stations spanning 140 kilometers by 2030. This expansion will further enhance the public transport network and accommodate the growing population, ensuring that the Dubai Metro continues to meet the needs of its users.