Dubai today became the first city in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to launch a tram service.
The tram, spanning 10.6 km and 11 stations that will cover major residential and commercial areas in the city, is also the first tram outside Europe powered entirely by on-ground electric cables, extending throughout the tramway and thus avoiding the need for hanging cables, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said in a statement.
The tram was inaugurated last evening by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, from Al Sufouh depot, who travelled in the tram with senior government officials. The tram was opened for the public this morning.
Each tram measures 44 meters in length and has a capacity to accommodate 405 riders. The tram is expected to serve around 27,000 people daily and, in the second stage, with an extension of four kilometres and six more stations, the ridership is expected to increase to 66,000 daily.
The tram, will be gender segregated with two cabins set aside for women and children, and a further car for 'gold-class' passengers.
More than 150 police officers and 64 speed cameras have been employed to keep trams and cars apart and avoid accidents on the tram network.
Fines upto the tune of USD 8,160 can be slapped on car drivers if they cause a fatal accident on the tram network.
