caption:

Unlike the Dubai Metro service, Dubai Tram is being promoted as a ‘fuss-free, leisurely mode of transport', according to a senior official at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The officials also announced that the six-minute time difference between trams will be eventually reduced to four minutes and 4km will be added to the current network length of 10.6km.
Speaking at a workshop for hotels and other businesses near trams, Moaza Saeed Al Marri, Director of RTA Marketing and Corporate Communication, along with other officials spoke to the media and hoteliers on the connectivity of the tram network and land use of nearby locations on Sunday.
Al Marri said: "The average speed of the tram is 50km/h and even though this mode of transport has very good connectivity to neighbouring areas, it is best used as a more leisurely mode of transport.” The tram could be used for sightseeing, especially for people who want to enjoy the view in the areas neighbouring Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, and Al Sufouh.
However, several residents Khaleej Times spoke with said that they are looking forward to a drop in traffic jams on the road stretching from Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) to Al Sufouh. Officials also stressed on the importance of following safety procedures and measures. Abdul Redha Abu Al Hassan, Director of Planning and Development, Rail Agency, said: "Even though the tram service can move without a driver, we have hired drivers to operate the trams to ensure total safety for the 11 trains that will be operating. "There are rules for safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.”
Speaking about the tram connectivity, Al Hassan said the tram platforms are well connected with other modes of transport, including the metro, bus, monorail and shuttle buses.
"The roads nearing tram tracks have been specially marked in different colours and warning sounds will play out for people with special needs as well. There are dedicated traffic signals for trams and special protection is provided to trams at different intersections,” said Al Hassan.
A special safety information pack, both digital and in print, will be provided to all hotels so that they can inform their guests about the tram's connectivity. Hoteliers also raised their concerns about the problems they faced during the construction of the tram, both traffic congestion and loss of business. The RTA officials said that they would look into the matter and settle all disputes and queries.
Tram routes
Speaking about the route, Abdul Mohsin Younes, CEO of RTA's Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, said the tram would start its journey at the depot in Al Sufouh (station 11), the go to Media City, Knowledge Village, Dubai Marina Towers, cut into JBR and end its journey at Station 5 (Dubai Marina).
For passengers who wish to take a tram from Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) to JBR will have to return to Dubai Marina to reach their destination. "Currently, there is no direct route that cuts from JLT into JBR 1, 2. Passengers will have to come back to Dubai Marina. However, we will eventually build a separate route later,” said Younes.
Source: Khaleej Times