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RTA to announce operating firm of Al Sufouh tram soon

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will next week announce the company which will run and operate Al Sufouh tram.

Work on Al Sufouh Tramway in progress at Dubai Marina and JBR area. — KT photo by Mukesh Kamal

Al Sufouh tram is expected to carry around 27,000 passengers daily in its first operational phase slated to be in November 2014.

The tram’s carriages shall arrive here in Dubai on December 11, and early in January next year the operating company shall perform the trial run of the tramcar to check the preparedness and make sure it is fit and functions properly in terms of the controlling systems, air conditioner, the power feeding systems, brakes etc.

A joint awareness campaign in conjunction with the Dubai Police will be launched before the trial run to make the public aware about the tram services.

About 60% of Al Sufouh tram project, which stretches for as long as 14.6km along Al Sufouh Road, has been completed so far. The initial phase of the project includes 10.6-km-long track starting from the Dubai Marina and stretching up to the Tram Depot near the Dubai Police Academy.

There will be 17 passenger stations; 11 of which shall be completed in the first phase, and will be located in densely populated areas along the tramway course.

Al Sufouh tram fleet will consist of 25 trams, of which eleven shall be received in the first phase, and 14 more will be added to it in the second phase.

Each tram measures 44 metres in length and shall accommodate approximately 300 passengers in all. It has a first class (Gold class) section, one cabin designated for ladies and children as well as a Silver Class cabin.

The tramway will be equipped with the latest techniques for internal broadcasting of IT and recreational materials, while the its stations will span 44 metres and will be furnished with glass fencing along the platform. Like the Dubai Metro, the tram doors will open and close automatically and the stations shall be equipped with automatic fare collection systems. - malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com