The Dubai Tram's inaugural service is certainly a cause for celebration because it meets a longstanding need that has existed in our biggest city. However its introduction also serves as a reminder that Dubai's transport infrastructure planning cannot stand still and it won't – a planned extension will add six more stations.
The tram will help reduce residents’ and visitors’ reliance on cars – whether their own or taxis – in areas like the Marina, which was renowned for gridlock at peak times even before the disruption caused by construction of the tram network.
In particular, the connections between the tram and the Dubai Metro will make commuting by public transport far more feasible than before. One criticism of the Metro was that the stations were rarely near residential areas but the Marina in particular has some of Dubai’s highest population densities, allowing the two services to complement each other.
One reason why the planning authorities need to look so far ahead is because of the lag between planning and delivery – sometimes lasting many years – of projects like the Dubai Tram.
That is a difficult task in a country like the UAE with a large and changing expatriate population that removes the predictability enjoyed by countries with more stable demographics. The best that planners can hope to do is make educated guesses.
That lesson is also being noted in Abu Dhabi, where plans for a Dh7 billion metro and light-rail network are underway, as well as Etihad Rail continuing construction of its part of what is intended to be a rail network spanning most of the GCC countries.
It’s reasonable for those responsible for the Dubai Tram to take a moment over the next few days and enjoy the achievement of delivering a service that will improve the quality of life for those living in the Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and well beyond.
But then it will be time to go back to work to deliver the next stage of meeting our future transport needs.
