And an incredible Dhs16 billion road development plan was announced, too
Dubai is revving up for a groundbreaking Dhs16 billion road development initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and improving traffic conditions across the city.
And one of these plans might involve a trackless tram in the near future.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council visited the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Sunday November 3 to check out their plans to expand the Dubai Tram network.
A key highlight of this expansion is the potential deployment of trackless tram systems at eight strategic locations across the city.
During my visit to @rta_dubai’s headquarters, I reviewed its AED16 billion Main Roads Development Plan 2024-2027, featuring 22 major projects. I also reviewed the progress of RTA’s initiatives in public and shared transportation, designed to boost service quality and efficiency… pic.twitter.com/dCX3Tj0XMh— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) November 3, 2024
This innovative, self-driving tram system operates on virtual tracks, guided by camera technology and painted lines on dedicated lanes, offering a forward-thinking solution to urban transport challenges.
Powered entirely by electricity, the trackless tram system is not only eco-friendly but also more cost-effective and quicker to construct than traditional tram systems.
Each tram consists of three carriages and can accommodate up to 300 passengers, making it an efficient option for city commuting.
With a top speed of 70 km/h and an operational speed ranging from 25 to 60 km/h, the tram is designed for both performance and safety. A single charge allows the tram to travel up to 100 kilometres, enhancing its viability as a sustainable public transport option.
What about the tram we have now?
As the Dubai Tram approaches its 10th anniversary on November 11, 2024, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed its operational achievements.
Since its launch, the tram has completed an impressive 950,000 journeys and served around 60 million passengers, reflecting an 850 percent increase in ridership since opening.
The tram also has an exceptional punctuality rate of 99.9 percent, showing just how reliable it is as a public transport network in the city.
How else will the plans improve city’s traffic?
In addition to the aforementioned expanded tram network, the ‘Main Roads Development Plan 2024-2027’ promises to be a game-changer for Dubai’s already impressive infrastructure.
Among the standout projects is the development of Latifa bint Hamdan Street, slated to kick off in 2025. This ambitious project will stretch 12,200 meters and is set to serve over a million residents, increasing capacity for 16,000 cars per hour in both directions while slashing travel time significantly.
The plan doesn’t stop there. The Meydan Road and Al Mustaqbal Street projects are also on the horizon, promising to transform traffic flow and reduce congestion dramatically.
The former aims to boost capacity for 22,000 vehicles per hour, while the latter will increase capacity from 9,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour, cutting travel time from eight minutes to just three and a half.
It’s only going to get better and better. Buckle up.
Source: Timesoutdubai
