Commuters elated about Dubai Metro extension plans

The extension of Dubai metro may take a while to materialise. However, metro commuters in the emirate voiced great happiness in anticipation of the new metro coverage.

The plan, which includes three new metro lines –the Gold, Silver and Purple line- in addition to an extension of the existing red and green line, will connect areas that are currently considered difficult to reach.

In the first phase of the project, an extension of the Green Line will connect Academic City to Jadaf. The Purple Line will run parallel to Emirates Road, while the Blue Line will run parallel to Dubai Bypass Road. The Gold Line will provide two entrees deep into Dubai Land, to locations which were previously only accessible by personal transportation.

“It is definitely great news as this means more connectivity. There are areas like Jumeirah and Mirdiff where commuters still need to take the bus, which means more time spent commuting. If the new lines cover such places traveling will be more convenient and fun,” comments Neesha Kapoor, a frequent metro commuter.

“There are places which are very difficult to reach if you do not have a car,” says Karen Kean, a British metro user. “Yesterday for example, I took a taxi to Mushrif Park. When I wanted to make my way back, I realised the only option I had was to book a taxi, which takes at least half an hour. When this taxi did not arrive at all, I had to call a friend to come and pick me up. It took me two-and-a-half hours to get out of there.”

Bonita Carr, a South African resident relying on the metro for daily commute is equally excited. “I think this is fabulous news. I have seen construction start on what looks like a metro line near Karama and it is great to have this confirmed. New Metro lines will make the metro system even more user friendly and effective in getting around. It is a positive move for Dubai and will ensure that it becomes truly a world class city from a public transport perspective,” she says.

In addition to the connectivity between metro lines, efforts are made to connect Dubai metro to Etihad Rail, which will run to Oman and Saudi Arabia. Three proposed stations — Al Maktoum Airport Station, Dubai Land Station and the Central Station — will provide access to the wider Etihad Rail network.

Al Maktoum Airport Station will be located east of Al Maktoum Airport on the Etihad Rail route, while the Blue Lines will provide stations east of Dubai Bypass Road. The Gold Line will include Dubai Land Station, west of Meydaan.

“I cannot wait for the Ethiad Rail network,” says Bonita. “I am sure that this open up other destinations within the UAE to tourism by offer visitors the opportunity to easily visit beautiful cities like Al Ain and the western region with its spectacular scenery.”

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