Since starting operation in September 2011, the Green Line of the Dubai Metro has seen ridership levels beyond expectations with as much as 11,849,172 passengers travelling through the Green Line up to last January. Such a trend is indicative of the unanticipated growth in the number of commuters using the Green Line; which underlines the fact that the line stretches across vital, cultural and residential areas in Dubai, making it the most popular mass transit means around.

Ramadan Abdullah, Director of Rail Operation at RTA Rail Agency, said: “The growing numbers of passengers using the Green Line reflect the substantial evolution in the culture of community members vis-à-vis the use of mass transit means, particularly the Metro as it offers a physical & psychological relief for commuters in a hassle-free travelling experience.

“Over less than five months, the Dubai Metro Green Line has managed to break the 11 million passengers’ barrier as the line has a host of benefits & features highlighted by the coverage of several destinations in Dubai that meet the needs of various community segments. The track passes through vital heritage, business, residential, cultural and health spots; rendering it the most demanded and used public transport means in the area. The ridership of the Green Line has hit 2.785 million passengers in last December, and in January 2012 the figure reached 2,849,171 passengers,” he elaborated.

The Director of RTA Rail Operation indicated that the most popular metro stations on the Green Line in December and January last was Al Fuhaidi Station where the number of users clocked 694,176 passengers; which is attributed to the strategic location of the Station as it sits at the junction of Khalid bin Al Waleed Street, Al Musalla Street and Al Mankhool Street in an area packed with electronic and computer shops, Gulf Center and several banks.

Next in the most popular stations list comes Bani Yas Station as the number of commuters using the station over the last two months has hit 664,351 passengers. The Station is characterized by its important geographical location as it is in close proximity to of the old business center of the Dubai Emirate; which is a highly attractive point to tourists & visitors hailing from various nationalities and groups. Third in the pecking order of the metro stations is Al Ghubaiba Station which was used by 504,771 passengers in December and January last. The Station is located in the heart of a vibrant Dubai locality of Al Bastakiya and Shindagha, just near the Heritage & Diving Villages; which are iconic UAE heritage landmarks and a destination to considerable numbers of visitors besides bordering the marine transit modes (abras).

“The success of the Dubai Metro adds to the success of the Dubai city which is aspiring to develop best-in-class services in public in mass transit systems in general and the Dubai Metro in particular to keep pace with the massive urban, cultural and residential boom seen by the city. It also contributes to serving the needs and expectations of a wide spectrum of community members as a whole, and helps conserve the environment.