Dubai Metro Celebrates Milestone Of 2 Billion Passengers

Dubai Metro has reportedly surpassed two billion passengers since it first opened to the public on Sept. 9, 2009.

While celebrating the milestone, Dubai Crown Prince and Executive Council Chairman Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum commended the Roads and Transport Authority for its efforts in implementing quality projects to address the transportation needs of the community.

He also attributed the success of the metro to UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision of making Dubai a model for future cities in the world.

"Dubai's ability to build a world-class transport network was the result of the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai," he said, Khaleej Times reported.

"As part of his keenness to build a city that would serve as a model for future cities, Dubai invested in several infrastructure projects featuring the highest international standards and operational efficiency to ensure the best provision of services," he added, noting that the Dubai Metro has become the "backbone of a transit system" that links key districts in the UAE and ensures the safe and smooth mobility of its passengers.

Sheikh Hamdan also promised that, "Dubai will continue to develop a highly efficient and reliable transport system to facilitate smooth and safe mobility and support the emirate's overall development goals."

For his part, Sheikh Mohammed looked back on the conception of the project and revealed that pushing through with it was not an easy decision to make.

"The idea of the Dubai Metro is novel in the region. Although there were some conflicting opinions, we went ahead with a bold decision and we delivered what we promised," he tweeted.

"In conclusion: In moments of difficult decisions, the worst option is not to make a decision, because in these moments the destiny of countries and societies is made," he added.

The Dubai Metro has 129 trains, 53 stations, and caters to at least 600,000 riders each day. Its Red Line and Green Line have transported 1.342 billion commuters and 673.531 million commuters, respectively. Since its launch, the Dubai Metro has surpassed international safety standards and demonstrated operational efficiency with its 99.7% punctuality rate.