Deadline set for trams and metro

Trams will begin running in 2014 in Abu Dhabi with the metro set to become operational in 2016.

This artist's rendering shows the Dubai Road Transport Authority Al Safooh tram. The Abu Dhabi tram system, is due to begin operating in 2014.

Trams will start operating in the capital by 2014 with the metro opening in 2016, the Department of Transport's chairman, Abdulla al Otaiba said today. "The tram will be starting operation in 2014," he said. "Metro, 2016." Mr al Otaiba spoke at a conference on sustainable urban transport, hosted by the department and the International Association of Public Transport. At the conference the chairman signed the department onto the association's Sustainable Development Charter. This is a voluntary commitment to monitor, measure and report on department's environmental, economic and social performance.