Emirati Dubai Metro driver raises curiosity... and debate

Metro trains are reported to be automated and driverless

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  • Staff
Published

Published on Jan 30, 2012 by Euronews/Youtube

A new video on Youtube and news reports in the Western media have raised curiosity about a female driver operating Dubai Metro – which is believed to run driverless trains.

The 28-year-old Mariam Al Safar, a native Emirati, is reportedly regular at the controls on the emirate’s metro system. The video also shows her at the controls of the train.

However, regular users of the Dubai Metro say they have travelled the length of the train, but have not noticed any controls at either end nor an engine driver. The trains were publicised as being 'driverless', when launched.

One of the sources familiar with the Metro system agrees that it is an automated train that does not require a driver. He, however, clarified that there are controls on the trains that allow it to be manually driven in case of an emergency. It is also possible that Mariam has been given training to drive a metro train that could be used to tow away malfunctioning trains.

The Roads and Transport Authority could not independently verify the explanations.

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Comments

  • David 10 February 2012 04:59 0 0
    I'm telling you in such situation we know that we are in good hands and someone is on-board for any kind of problem while we are travellling. That's great! Keep it up RTA! Guys on the thread hope you got your answers... TC
  • David 10 February 2012 04:58 0 0
    when this happen the train doesn't function properly but its moving because the wheels are turning so to handle such situation or any similar situation will require manual handling. We all have seen train crew on board and they all are well trained to operate the train manually. I have experienced a train crew driving it manually which actually amazed me as I did not know that metro had a back-up plan and never knew that these guys could drive it, and trust me with experience.
  • David 10 February 2012 04:57 0 0
    I have been reading these comments and to be frank you hardly know about Dubai Metro. The train has two functions 1 automatic 2 Manual; it's supposed to run automatic so it does run automatic.
  • Ahmed 1 February 2012 14:38 0 0
    @John, there are attendants within the Metro at all times. I assume they have been trained to manually override the system if need be. Precautions have been taken and the debate has ended.
  • Kate 1 February 2012 11:32 0 0
    the metro is omnidirectional, with passenger seating where the drivers cab should be...
  • john 1 February 2012 10:02 0 0
    Its called TECHNOLOGY, something not too many people were accustomed too in the 1950's. We have it, lets use it. But one thing that I am concerned about is the operation of the manual override system. Who controls that. is it also done by remote from the head quarters? If so, what if that too fails in some way. Debate started.........
  • Ahmed 1 February 2012 09:02 0 0
    the metro is driverless and can be controlled by the RTA at their headquarters in case of emergency.. manual operation is also possible in the metro.. i have been travelling by metro for about 1.5 years now.. not noticed any driver even once.

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