Dubai Tram

[rtt_rules]

Phase 1 of Dubai's long awaited tram is nearing completion.

The project started in 2007/08 and they did about 12mth of work, including ripping up very busy roads and the starting the Viaduct prior to the GFC, then stopped work for 3 years. (bankrupt govt budgets which results in deferal of PT projects is not limited to Qld)For those who don't know. It uses over 100% over head less technology outside the depo with sections of the 3rd rail track becoming live just as the tram goes over. Its similar to the GC project in length and the GC tram was originally scoped to use the same track power pick up technology, but changed to traditional overhead.

One of the major differences to Qld is the use of 3 class trams and platform doors as the stations are all A/C'd.


http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/dubai-tram-to-run-for-20-hours-a-day-1.1338139

(map)
http://gulfnews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1338394!/infoDup%5B0%5D/uploadInfo/fileUpload/infoFile/1905ADCDE87F46B6B1130C446E2A9736.pdf

Dubai Tram to run for 20 hours a day

Transport network to run 20 hours a day - including every Friday
By Shafaat Shahbandari, Staff Reporter
Published: 12:42 May 25, 2014

Dubai: Dubai Tram, which will begin operations in November this year, will run for 20 hours every day between 5am and 1am, Gulf News has learnt.

The tram will operate at a frequency of six minutes during peak hours and eight to 10 minutes during non-peak hours.

According to information provided by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), from Saturday to Thursday the trams will run every eight minutes between 5am and 7am and the frequency will improve by 30 seconds between 7am to 10am. From 10am to 8pm the trams will run every 6 minutes, stopping at each station for an average of 30 seconds.

Between 8pm and 1am the frequency will come down to 8 minutes.

On Fridays the headway will be every 10 minutes from 5am to 1pm, every 7 and a half minutes from 1pm to 6pm, every 6 minutes between 6pm and 8pm, every 8 minutes between 8pm and 11pm, and every 10 minutes from 11pm to 1am.

"The operations of Dubai Tram will be aligned with Dubai Metro and the two networks will complement each other. Trams will be part of Dubai's integrated Mass Transit system, connecting with Dubai Metro at two stations — Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers," an RTA official said.

The two networks will connect through footbridges at both the stations for a smooth and seamless interchange of passengers between the two systems. The tram will also link with the Palm Jumeirah Monorail.

A fleet of 11 trams will operate in phase one of the project that will stretch for 10.6 kilometres from Al Sufouh to Dubai Marina.

Moving at an average commercial speed of 21.44km/h and achieving a maximum speed of 50km/h, the trams will make a round trip in 39 minutes.

One of the safest globally, Dubai Tram is the first in the world to have platform screen doors at all its stations, separating passengers on the platform from the moving train.

"Dubai Tram stations are designed to be in harmony with the Metro stations, reflecting the region's art and ethnic heritage, set in an urban context. Measuring 45 metres each, seven of the eleven stations in phase one are at grade and four are elevated," added the official.

With a capacity to accommodate 370 passengers at a time, the 44-metre-long trams have been divided into three classes – Gold, Silver and women and children. Each tram will have seven cabins, one for Gold class, two for women and four for Silver Class.

An eco-friendly mode of transport, Dubai Tram is also special needs-friendly, having specially allocated spaces for passengers with wheelchairs or mobility aids. The areas will be clearly marked with wheelchair symbols.

In an interesting gesture, the tram will also have a call button. Pressing it will give passengers with mobility difficulties extra time to enter or exit the tram.

The trams pass through at least 30 junctions, crossings and intersections and the authorities are taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all road users.

However, trams will have right of way and RTA has issued guidelines for pedestrians, cyclists as well as motorists to follow while in the vicinity of the Dubai Tram network. Violation of the guidelines may attract heavy fines.

Trams have been on trial from earlier this year and the test runs will continue until November. Passengers are not allowed during the trial runs.

Guidelines

For pedestrians
• Always cross the tracks using a pedestrian crossing
• Always look in both directions before crossing tracks
• Avoid headphones/mobile phones near tram tracks

For drivers
• Tram corridor will be clearly marked. Do not enter a road, lane or other areas reserved for the tram
• Be extra careful where a tram track crosses the road, as trams have their own signals
• Do not stop or park vehicles near a tram track
• Obstructing trams will lead to vehicles being towed away.
• Always give way to trams
• Look out for pedestrians running to catch a tram

For cyclists
• Do not ride bicycles on the tracks as wheels may get stuck in the rail gap
• Avoid following the rails to make sure they do not lead you to a route reserved for the tram
• When crossing the tracks, always check your surroundings and consider getting down and crossing on foot.

Tram in numbers
• Length: 14.6km
• Phase one: 10.6km
• Phase two: 4km
• Total number of stations: 17
• No of stations (phase one): 11
• Station length: 45 metres each
• Tram length: 44 metres each
• Frequency: Every 6 minutes
• Tram: 7 cabins each
• One gold class cabin
• Two women-only cabins
• Four silver class cabins
• Capacity: 370 riders per tram

Violations and fines
• Jumping a red light on the tramway intersection: Dh2,000-Dh5,000. Driving licence will be revoked for a period of 30 days to three months.
• Jumping the red light on a tram intersection and causing a fatal accident: Dh10,000 to Dh30,000. Driving licence will be revoked for a period of 30 days to one year.
• Jumping the red light and causing an accident resulting in injuries: Dh5,000 to Dh15,000. Driving licence who caused the accident will be revoked for 30 days to six months.