Dubai Metro expansion to boost public transport

The Dubai Metro rail network is due for expansion on a major scale, with existing routes extended and several new lines added.Transport officials in the emirate have set out plans to complete the work in three phases, which are due for completion in 2020, 2025 and 2030.Speaking to the Khaleej Times, executive director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Mattar Al Tayer said the phased rollout of the development will reflect expectations of Dubai's rapid growth over the next 17 years.With the emirate's population expected to exceed 3.1 million by 2020 and reach 4.1 million by 2025, a much larger and more efficient public transport infrastructure will be required to meet the city's needs.The first phase of the project will involve extending the Dubai Metro's existing Red and Green lines. By completion of the second phase, the network is likely to be about 200 km long and will include 128 stations, according to Mr Al Tayer.At the moment, the Red and Green lines cover a distance of about 74 km and serve 47 stations.According to the RTA's plans, the network is set grow further when three new Metro lines - Blue, Gold and Purple - and the new Jumeirah tram route become operational by 2030.However, the final phase will only be carried out following an assessment of Dubai's population growth, the success of the previous upgrades and passenger response."So if Dubai's population crosses six million, we may add another 221 km of lines with 69 stations," Mr Al Tayer explained.When the work is finally completed, the Dubai Metro will have close to 200 stations and stretch to more than 400 km.Launched in September 2009, the Metro is already the world's longest fully automated driverless train system.