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The first phase of Dubai’s $1.1bn Al Sufouh Tram project will be operational in 2014.
The first phase of the 10.7km long route will be built between Jumeirah Walk and the Mall of the Emirates and consist of 13 stations of the eventual 19. The contract is being carried out by Besix, while Alstom is another of the project’s main contractors..
Each of the eight initial trams in operation will have the capacity to carry 400 passengers and transport some 5,000 passengers per hour.
The update on the project was warmly welcomed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who recently visited the site location at Jumeirah Walk.
“It is important to inform people about the benefits of using public transport, especially with regard to protecting the environment from pollution, ensuring the comfort and safe means of transport for passengers and to reduce traffic congestion in the city,” said Sheikh Mohammad, who added his belief that the tram initiative complements the existing public transportation system in Dubai.
Like the Dubai Metro, the Al Sufouh tram project will have three categories, comprising ‘Gold’ class, women and children’s and economy sections.
The tram will provide a link to three Metro stations: the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers and will also be linked to the Palm Jumeirah monorail service.
