A kilometre-long phase one of Dubai Trolley, the city's newest public transport system, will open to public in the first quarter of this year as the rails have already been laid out and the stations are getting their finishing touches.
Dubai Trolley network will cover seven kilometres around Downtown Dubai, connecting the area's biggest landmarks such as The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, the Address Downtown Hotel and Opera District with other parts of the sprawling neighbourhood.
The network will be served by small electric and hydrogen-powered trams accommodating 74 people each.
Aligned along Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, the first phase of Dubai Trolley will cover a distance of one kilometre and will have three stations to offer passengers easy access to The Dubai Mall, and The Address Downtown Dubai and Vida Downtown Dubai hotels.
The new transport service will redefine smart urban mobility for short internal journeys and could pave way for more such systems in other parts of the city.
"Dubai Trolley is a smart urban mobility service that further builds on the trolley tram systems that are in use in several cities across the US and Europe. While they were a game-changer in public transport when first invented in the 1880s by introducing a new concept to urban mobility, they are now largely used as tourist attractions,” said Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director of Emaar Properties.
A convenient and user-friendly ‘hop-on hop-off' transit system, the all-new Dubai Trolley will add value to Downtown Dubai residents and visitors by offering them an attractive commuting service at the iconic locality.
"We have innovated further on both design and technology, incorporating world-class features for [the] Dubai Trolley. An environmentally sustainable system that supports the development vision of the UAE, Dubai Trolley brings a convenient and user-friendly transit mode to Downtown Dubai. It will add tremendous value to residents and visitors, enabling them to effortlessly access the world-class attractions in the world's most prestigious square kilometre,” he added.
Designed primarily to help tourists move from one attraction to another in Downtown Dubai, the transport system will also be used by residents.
The network will be served by double-decker trams that have the provision of open-deck and air-conditioned seating.
The trams will be elegantly designed to complement the Arabesque architectural features of Downtown Dubai.
"In a polished design, they are resplendent in bright red with aesthetic gold pinstripes and green trim colours. During winter, the glass window panels of the trolley tram will be removed for the added comfort of the passengers,” informed Al Matrooshi.
Dubai Trolley will travel at an operational speed of 16km/hr and has a maximum speed of 80km/h, which can be regulated according to requirement.
Convenient crossings will be provided along the tramway to facilitate safe and easy pedestrian movement. Being electric and hydrogen powered, the Dubai Trolley has practically zero-emission.
Dubai Trolley Terminus near Old Town Island will also feature several food and beverage offerings, adding to the convenience of passengers.
All the stations will be air-conditioned and will reflect the architectural attributes of Downtown Dubai.
Work on the first phase of trolley-tracks and Dubai Trolley depot is in the finishing stages.
According to sources, when completed, the network will also offer connectivity with Dubai Metro through the Dubai Mall station, but Emaar didn't confirm the information.
Emaar officials were also not forthcoming on the transport fare.
Downtown Dubai is currently linked to the Dubai Metro through an air-conditioned travelator. Additionally, the neighbourhood is well-serviced by public transport including Roads and Transport Authority's buses and taxis.
Visitors also have the choice of touring the 500-acre development through The Boulevard Bus Tour.
Source: Gulf News