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29 March 2024

First Dubai Tram trip? 5 things to keep in mind

Tram is gradually starting to become part of daily life along Al Sufouh Road. (Ahmad Ardity)

Published
By Majorie van Leijen

Dubai Tram has been on track for a week now. Although the first days of operation were characterised by thrill-seeking passengers who wanted to be part of the historic launch of a first-timer in the region, the tram is gradually starting to become part of daily life along Al Sufouh Road.

Similar to a ride on the Metro, Tram passengers are guided through a smooth process aided by the latest equipment of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). However, there are some particularities that may come as a surprise to the commuter. To avoid missing the ride, the following points have to be taken in consideration.

Remember to check in – and out

“Do not forget to check in,” urges a station employee at one of the Tram stations when the first travellers hop on. His efforts are not in vain; many of the passengers now rush to the check-in machine, which is located inside the station.

Unlike in Dubai Metro, where commuters are bound to check in and out as the gates do not open otherwise, a passenger can board the Tram without the swipe, as the doors open regardless.

However, travelling without having checked in may incur a fine, and not checking out will result in depletion of your Nol card balance, regardless of the trip made.

So, before stepping onboard the Tram, be sure to find the machine on the station platform and swipe your Nol card, and swipe it again as you depart.



Reading the live info screen

Rear: 17 minutes.

Front: 12 minutes.

This is the display on the information screen hanging on every station. But what does it mean?

First, the time refers to the period until the Tram arrives, rather than arrival time. The scheduled arrival time can be found elsewhere, on the ground-based information screen.

Although the time until arrival will remain displayed, the mention of a rear or front train approaching is a temporary display which will soon be changed, said Muhammad Al Mudharrab, Director of the Rail Operations at the RTA.

“In a couple of weeks, the display of information will be updated, and these terms will no longer be displayed. Instead, the final destination will be mentioned, which is either JBR or Al Sufouh.

“Right now this is a little confusing, and we do apologise for this. To assist commuters, we have deployed staff at the station. At a later point, the stations should be self-serving and the employment of staff will be phased out,” he added.

Time table

Upon the launch of Dubai Tram it was announced that the headway would be every 10 minutes during peak hours, and 12 minutes during off-peak hours. To be more precise, a timetable is available for every station.

Although the information shown on the hanging screen is real-time, an estimate of when to arrive at the station can be made knowing the scheduled timetable.

The timetable can be found at the ground-based information screens. The tram timings will also be shown when planning a trip with the RTA app Wojhati.

It is important to note that the Tram is currently not driving at full speed, as road constructions have not been completed at all junctions. “The maximum speed of Dubai Tram is 50kmph, but at some sections we have intentionally reduced the speed, until works are completed,” said Al Mudharrab.

The bell rings

Yes, the sound of a bell that we all know from movies as a tram passes by now also became part of the sounds of Dubai. And in some cases, the sound of a horn might even be heard.

The tram bell and horn can be used by the tram driver when he foresees a risk on the road, explained Al Mudharrab.

“The bell functions as an alarm to people around, when the driver suspects they might be at risk. As the tram departs, or as it crosses a junction in full speed, the driver may want to warn other road users that a tram is approaching.”

When an immediate risk comes across, such as a car obstructing the road for a tram, the driver will use the horn, he added. “In both cases, the system is meant to communicate a warning to people around the Tram rather than people inside.”

Hold on tight

Although it is a smooth ride with little bumps along the way, the Tram is a manually driven vehicle in the end, and subjective to traffic on the road. Finding a steady spot to enjoy a safe ride is advised.

If you are lucky, you find a place to sit on one of the cushioned seats in the Tram. As it gets more crowded, you may have to find a place to stand.

There is plenty of space in the Tram, but no handrails as we know them in Dubai Metro. Instead, the Tram is equipped with several bars. In the most spacious areas, a low metal structure provides grip for those who stand, while long metal bars are placed every couple of metres.

 

If none of these structures is around, one can always hold on to the metal bars above every seat. Find at least something to hold on to, as the standstill of the tram might cause some instability, especially for the younger ones.