RTA launches awareness campaign as the trial
run of Dubai Tram approaches
The
event targets motorists, cyclists, passengers and pedestrians
Roads & Transport Authority – Majdi
Abu Zaid:
The Roads and Transport Authority
(RTA) has launched an awareness campaign entitled: Your Safe Journeys Start
from Here for Dubai Tram users as part of efforts seeking to further the
awareness of the safety rules ought to be observed as the Dubai Tram’s trial
run on the designated track is approaching in preparation for the actual
operation of the tram service in the last quarter of this year. A successful
trial run had already been done for the tram at the facilities of the
manufacturer Alstom Company in France over a 700 meter-long track witnessed by
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA,
during which he reviewed all technical aspects of the tram along with a host of
RTA specialists.
Yousef Al Rida, CEO of RTA Corporate
Administrative Support Services Sector, said: “The awareness campaign comprises
three aspects; the first starts this month, continues through the timing of the
actual operation of the tram in the last quarter of this year, and covers the
public safety i.e. it is oriented towards road users such as motorists,
cyclists and pedestrians. The second episode starts in the first quarter and
runs through the last quarter of this year, and focuses on raising the
awareness of the tram tests, venues and timing, and how to deal with the tram
as a new mass transit mode. The third and last episode includes raising the
public awareness about the features, and lines of the tram along with its link
with the metro and buses, thus adding to the integration of multi-modal mass
transit systems in Dubai, besides explaining the way to ride it. The underlying
reason for targeting all road users with this campaign is that the main track
of the tram is on the ground level and runs besides Al Safouh Street.
“Guidance prepared for tram riders
are aimed at maximizing the benefit from the service and mainly includes
avoiding distracting the attention of the tram driver during the tram movement,
obliging to the instructions of the tram’s driver or those displayed on directional
signs, and avoiding tampering with tram coach doors. Motorists awareness
package include avoiding driving on the tram track, giving way for the tram at
roundabouts, stopping behind the tram at the tram stops till doors are closed,
and ensuring giving outright priority to the tram on roads. They will also be
informed that the tram track will be prominently marked at the intersections,”
he continued.
“Guidance tailored to pedestrians and
cyclists include using designated crossing points, avoiding areas designated as
restricted, and complying with the signs set for the tram. The awareness
campaign included three types of offences and breaches punishable by law with
the aim of maintaining the safety of the public and road users. These include
disrupting the tram movement, failure to give priority to the tram, accessing
restricted or fenced areas with the perimeters of the tram, and crossing into
areas not designated for their use. A number will be set for calling in case of
an accidents and the policemen and RTA inspectors will cooperate to ensure the
restoration of the tram service as quickly as possible,” added Al Rida.
“The campaign aims to bolster the
safety of all riders, pedestrians, motorists and a cyclist particularly as the
tram is a new transit mode in stepping up the integration of public transit
systems in the Emirate and realizing the strategic objective of the RTA of
providing Safe and Smooth Transport for All,” said the CEO of RTA Corporate
Administrative Support Services Sector in a final remark.
