Sunday, October 19, 2008

Al Sufouh trams

Gulf News tells us that the RTA has awarded the contract for phase one of the Al Sufouh Tram project. Phase One is scheduled to commence operations on April 11, 2011.

It'll run around Dubai Marina, including Jumeirah Beach Residence, link with the Metro at Jumeirah Lake Towers and Marina stations and have a total of thirteen stops (or stations, as they're called).

That's all good news, but I still fear for safety with trams 44 metres long carrying 305 passengers trundling along rails on the same roads as Dubai's moronic drivers.

And I have a question about the planning. Don't I always!

Phase One is a tram to nowhere. Here's the graphic produced by Gulf News (click on it to enlarge it):

Why doesn't Phase One go the extra distance to Madinat Jumeirah? Or even better, to Mall of the Emirates Metro station. Why leave that section to be included in Phase Two?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Because the roads within phase 2 will be replaced during the Jumeirah Hills construction. Not much point building a tram line just to tear it up 6 months later.

Anonymous said...

I am under the impression that the tram will be in its own lane and will cross the road at some points, that is why it needs a driver, however it will not have to contend for road space with 'moronic' drivers (ha)