Dubai - The partial closure will continue for 10 weeks, up to 14 October 2017
Published: Fri 25 Aug 2017, 2:11 PM
The partial closure of the Dubai Metro Red Line which began from 28 July will continue today. Metros will be closed between Jumeirah Lakes Towers Station and Ibn Battuta Station on Friday and Saturday.
"Constructional changes require a partial closure of the rail track of the Metro Red Line between Jumeirah Lakes Towers Station and Ibn Battuta Station during weekends (Fridays & Saturdays only) over 10 weeks starting from 28 July up to 14 October 2017," Mohammed Yousef Al Mudharreb, Director of Rail Operation, RTA's Rail Agency has said to Khaleej Times earlier.
An alternative operational plan of free shuttle bus service between the two stations is in place for the metro riders.
Dubai RTA launches free bus service to cover partial metro closure
The alternative plan for the said Metro partial closure encompasses the deployment of shuttle bus service to commute riders between JLT Metro Station and Ibn Battuta Metro Station. RTA had conducted intensive field studies, in collaboration with the contractor, to ensure that the alternative plan would be highly efficient in commuting riders between the two stations, given the intensive traffic movement over the weekends.
According to the plan, the contractor would upgrade the automatic operation system and add switches point to enable trains switch rail tracks and return at JLT and Ibn Battuta Metro Stations.
Metro commuters heading towards the UAE Exchange Station need to get off at JLT Station, take a free bus ride to Ibn Battuta Station and then continue their journey by metro in the direction of the UAE Exchange Station. Metro riders travelling in the direction of Al Rashidiya Station need to get off the metro at Ibn Battuta Station, take free bus rides to JLT Metro Station and then continue their journey on the metro in the direction of Al Rashidiya Station.
RTA is always keen to ensure the smooth functioning of public transit modes and offering of seamless transit service to the public throughout weekdays. It also seeks to ensure the smooth functionality of its electronic and smart services 24/7 and their full integration with the public transport network, the Director of Rail Operation, RTA Rail Agency said.
A Staff Reporter
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