Dubai Metro tops 12.4m passengers in August

More than 12.4 million people used Dubai Metro in August compared to 10.4 million during the same period last year, officials said.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said the Metro, which comprises Red and Green lines, is attracting more passengers who are conscious of its affordability and "smooth mobility”.
The 19 per cent surge in ridership also means there is less impact on the environment.
Mohammed Al Mudharreb, Director of RTA Rail Operation, said: "This year has seen a substantial increase in the Metro ridership, which indicates that the RTA plan projecting an increase in public transport ridership is moving in the right direction.
"People have started to perceive and grasp the benefits and advantages of using mass transit systems, including the psychological and physical relief in having smooth mobility, besides economising on the expenses of vehicle fuel and maintenance.”
He added: "The ridership of the Dubai Metro Red Line last August hit 7,778,042 riders led by Deira City Centre Station, which was used by 541,023 riders; followed by Al Riqqa Station, which was used by 516,741 riders.
"The ridership of the Green Line of the Metro amounted to 4,676,108 riders topped by Al Fahidi Station, which received 547,809 riders, followed by Bani Yas Station which was used by 506,836 riders.”
He added that the figures indicate the RTA is "heading towards its strategic objective of raising the share of public transport in the people's transit patterns.
"This remarkable increase in the numbers of passengers proves that the RTA is succeeding in supporting the development drive seen by the Emirate of Dubai under our wise leadership.
"It also contributes to stimulating the economic drive, boosting tourist activities, and offering safe and smooth transport which encourages the mobility and ups the competitiveness of Dubai in staging international conventions, and sports events among others, besides conserving the environment through minimising pollution generated by private vehicles.”
Source: Gulf News