A modern, innovative public transport network at the forefront of smart mobility
Underpinning Dubai’s Smart City vision, innovation is a key feature of RTA’s metro and tram networks, which carry around 210 million passengers per year3.
Harnessing modern level 4 communications-based train control (CBTC) technology, provided by Thales – which increases transport capacity by reducing the time interval between trains - the Dubai metro network is the longest fully driverless and automated metro network in the world. It features two lines (including Route 2020) spanning a total of 90 kilometers, including 15.8 km of tunnel, and 53 fully air-conditioned stations offering a host of facilities ranging from retail outlets to Wi-Fi. The metro system is embedded into a wider, multimodal network offering comprehensive and accessible travel options, which link metro stations with bus, taxi and marine services.
Equipped with 129 metro trainsets (79 Kinki Sharyo metro trains delivered by Mitsubishi in 2009 and 50 Metropolis trains built by Alstom), the metro network provides easy access to key locations such as Dubai International Airport, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Healthcare City and the Expo 2020 site, where the United Arab Emirates is set to host an exceptional edition of the World Expo event for six months from October 2021.
The city’s catenary-free tram network, which opened in 2014, harnesses an APS ground-level power supply system, offering passengers a convenient and comfortable travel option and without overhead catenary wires, provides great opportunities to view Dubai’s magnificent urban landscape.
With a total length of 10.6 km, the city’s tram network consists of 11 stations and 11 Alstom Citadis trams, connecting to two metro stations: Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers. The tram network is equipped with cutting-edge innovations such as platform screen doors.
A unique alliance that will enhance the passenger experience
From September 2021, Keolis will provide shared mobility services in Dubai along with the major railway system integrator MHI and rolling stock supplier MC, partners which were both heavily involved in the construction and development of Dubai’s metro network. With Keolis in the lead, the JV will take the form of a new subsidiary called Keolis-MHI.
This JV combines MHI and MC’s extensive knowledge of the Dubai’s metro network with Keolis’ experience in automated metro operations. The JV will work hand-in-hand with RTA to deliver its vision of world-class, smart and sustainable mobility for the city. Keolis-MHI will:
Welcome and train around 2,000 staff members in the “Zero Harm” safety culture and “Thinking Like a Passenger” approach, which ensures that safety and passenger satisfaction are placed at the heart of its operations.
Develop local communities’ expertise and talent by employing Emiratis and working with local businesses.
Enhance the multi-modal journey experience with innovations in real-time passenger information and optimized timetables.
Manage and improve rolling stock and infrastructure asset life cycle, through predictive maintenance and data-led processes, digitalisation and visualisation.
Continue to support and exchange knowledge and best practice through a community of thousands of rail experts working across 9 metro and 26 tram networks.
A track record of partnering with public transport authorities to enhance metro and tram operations in cities around the world
Keolis will draw on its extensive experience in managing automated metros and trams in close partnership with public transport authorities (PTAs). Keolis works closely with 300 PTAs across the world, including:
Transport for London and Transport for Greater Manchester in the UK,
Department of Transport (Victoria), Transport for New South Wales (NSW), Department of Transport and Main Roads (Queensland), Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA),
Sytral (Lyon), Bordeaux Metropole (for whom the APS tram was first deployed), MEL in Lille (which launched the world’s first automated metro), Rennes Metropole in France,
Larsen & Toubro, Hyderabad in India,
Shentong Metro Group (Shanghai) in China, and
Qatar Rail.
Key figures
Metro network :
• 90km
• 2 lines
• 53 stations
• 79 Kinki Sharyo metro trainsets + 50 Alstom Metropolis trainsets
• CBTC level 4 supplied by Thales
• 3 depots
• 1 control center
Tram network :
• 10.6 km
• 11 stations
• 11 APS Citadis trams