DUBAI // Beams of white light shot into the night sky, fireworks exploded and the wheels began to roll – with a very distinguished passenger on board.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, launched the first phase of the Dh60 million Dubai Tram network last night and was the first passenger to travel on the state-of-the-art transit system.
The red carpet was rolled out for other VIP guests at several of the 11 tram stations along the 10.6km route.
The opening ceremony took place in a tented, air-conditioned area near Al Sufouh Tram depot where the inaugural tram rolled up.
Banners announcing “Dubai Tram at your service starting from 12/12/2014” were stretched across the Mina Seyahi and Media City stations.
Commuters were already looking forward to taking the tram for the first time today.
“I will use it on weekends mostly and it will save me a lot of money,” said Mohammed Muhideen, an engineer who works on yachts at the marina.
“I don’t plan to buy the monthly pass but will use my silver Nol card. I have friends staying on the Palm Jumeirah and we meet over the weekend so I can just take the tram instead of a taxi.
“The tram will be convenient because when I couldn’t get a taxi they would have to pick me up by car.”
Tourists agreed the new tram service was something they would take advantage of.
“I’ve heard a lot about it and will definitely be trying it out,” said Italian sales manager Adriano Quitadamo, who is on his second visit to Dubai.
He is planning to move to the emirate with his wife and hopes to live in the marina or Jumeirah Lakes Towers areas.
“I will try the tram in the evening in the Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm areas,” Mr Quitadamo said.
“When I live here I will have a car but it will be good to use the tram after a party and not worry about a car or taxi.
“I like coming to Dubai because it is a new city, it’s always vibrant here, there is always something new happening, like the tram now.”
Spanish tourist Franciso Ruiz said: “I’ve used the metro and taxi here so I will use the tram soon.
“I like the chance to visit Dubai because it is so different from my country. My friends live near the metro stations so the tram will be easy to reach.
“I’ve used the tram in Spain and Ireland, so it will be interesting to compare it here.”
Sheikh Hamdan rode on the first tram along with senior government officials, with two more trains in tow, for the inaugural run. The trams will open for public service from 6.30am on Wednesday, with a trip every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 12 minutes during non-peak hours.
Served by 11 stations, the 10.6km network winds through the densely populated areas of Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence while also serving Dubai Media City, Knowledge Village and Palm Jumeirah.
The Road & Transport Authority’s newly introduced Nol fare packages will also go live Wednesday, offering commuters up to 47 per cent discount across all modes of transport.
Working in shifts, a team of 35 drivers will operate 11 trams from 6.30am to 1.30am on weekdays. On Friday, the trams will operate from 9am to 1.30am
rtalwar@thenational.ae
