He was first on the metro five years ago so it’s only right that this finance manager does the same again with Dubai Tram

Commuter Venkat Raghavan enjoys his car but is a fan of public transport. He shares his perspective on the new era with Ramola Talwar Badam.

Venkat Raghavan, left, and Vaidi Nadhan arrive at the Al Sufouh tram station on the first day of its service in Dubai. Mr Raghaven was also one of the first travellers on Dubai metro. Pawan Singh / The NationalShow less

DUBAI // Five years after being among the first passengers to ride the Dubai Metro, Venkat Raghavan took a seat on Dubai Tram’s maiden journey.

“It’s just fun and we’re here to enjoy it,” said Mr Raghavan.

He drove from his home in Bur Dubai with friend Vaidi Nadhan to be at Al Sufouh tram station at 6.05am, about 25 minutes before the tram opened its doors to the public on Wednesday.

“There were just two of us initially and then the Serco [tram operators] came in,” Mr Raghavan said. “We were also the first to use the metro when it opened to the public on September 9, 2009, so we wanted to be the first here also.

“The first tram popped in at 6.20 and left the station at 6.30am, so it was great to be on board with my friend and another passenger.”

The finance manager from India said tram drivers hit the brakes abruptly and more handrails were needed, but he was sure the Roads and Transport Authority would look into it.

“I’m worried that when it moves fast and then brakes are applied too hard it will be dangerous for the elderly and when travelling with children,” Mr Raghavan said.

“There should definitely be handrails overhead because when the tram lurches, you need something to hold on to or people will fall over. At some stations the doors did not open, but these are first-day hiccups and will work out in the end.”

He said he will continue to drive to work because it was quicker to reach Jumeirah Lakes Towers, but would use the tram in the evenings and over the weekends.

The trams will ease traffic congestion in Jumeirah Beach Residence and the Marina, drawing people who had avoided the area before.

“I will definitely be back with my family on the tram this weekend,” Mr Raghavan said. “This will make it much easier because we always had problems finding parking.”

He has a few words for cynics who brushed aside the tram’s appeal.

“There will always be sceptics. People thought Salik wouldn’t work but it does,” he said.

“When the metro started, people said it would be used only in winter, but now you need to let some trains go because it is crowded. I see the tram getting full, too.”