The first of the new metro trains, that will be used to ferry passengers to the Expo 2020 Dubai site, have arrived in the emirate.
The train was delivered by cargo ship to Jebel Ali Port this weekend before it was moved to the Metro Depot in Rashidiya. The train is the first of 50 expected, with the final shipment pegged for October next year.
Fifteen of the trains will serve Route 2020, a 15 kilometre extension of Dubai Metro's Red Line that connects the Nakheel Harbour and Tower station with the Expo site.
The remaining 35 trains will be used to "enhance the service level of Dubai Metro," according to the Roads and Transport Authority. The new intake will swell the number of trains on track to nearly 700 when they become operational.
“RTA will carry out test-runs for the first train destined for Route 2020 on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the RTA's board of executive directors.
"It will start with the static tests of all operating systems of the train. Next, we will carry out dynamic tests, which involve testing the performance of systems while in motion, such as motors, brakes and control systems."
Made in Poland, the new trains have been redesigned to increase space for passengers and have sectioned off a carriage for gold class seat-holders and another for women and children.
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The new design also increases train capacity by 53 passengers, up from 643 seats.
"The new carriages are customised to serve 'People of Determination’ and the smooth boarding and alighting of riders as well," said Mr Al Tayer.
"The exterior design of the trains will remain unchanged to maintain the design identity of Dubai metro and its familiar colours to the public."
The metro extension is expected to handle 20 per cent of people coming to the expo with trains ferrying 35,000 commuters daily during the week. The number of passengers is expected to rise to 47,000 on weekends.
Plans include transporting 46,000 commuters an hour in both directions on Route 2020.