DUBAI // Testing of the tram network began on Sunday with a carriage rolling along the first stretch of track.
A tram travelled 2.5 kilometres from its depot in Al Sufouh as part of technical trials that will continue until autumn, when the service is due to be up and running.
Testing will roll out gradually to cover the entire 14.6km network.
“Road users will start to see the Dubai Tram on the move on roadsides at Al Sufouh, Jumeirah Beach Residence and the Marina,” said Mattar Al Tayer, the chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority.
"The tram track will intersect vehicular and pedestrian traffic at certain points, which warrants motorists in particular and road users in general to be more attentive and compliant with the rules and regulations governing the tram operation."
The trial run was wide-ranging, involving the air-conditioning system, electrical feed and brakes, coupling of coaches, disconnecting power supply, the rail surveillance and control system, and testing the train under normal and emergency conditions.
“The technical trial run made for the tram in the depot was all successful,” said Mr Al Tayer.
“The tram moved smoothly without wobbling or noises, as it is powered by ground electrical feed stretching along the track.”
The tram network will feature 17 stations. The first phase of the project will include 11 stations, starting from Dubai Marina and stretching to the depot near Dubai Police Academy along a 10.6km track.
Eleven trams will be in use at first, with 14 more added in phase two.
The authority expects 27,000 passengers to use the service a day at first, with this expected to increase to 66,000 a day by 2020.
The tram will link with the Dubai Metro's red line at Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers stations, and with the Palm Jumeirah monorail.
malkhan@thenational.ae
