Dubai Metro (courtesy: RTA)The buzz in all major and minor circles today is hovering over just one topic & one topic alone: Dubai Metro. No one can help but agree that a lot is riding on its success. Will it work? Will it help alleviate the current property woes in Dubai or at least aid in stabilizing Dubai real estate and property value of areas adjoining the metro stations given their logistic and strategic importance. Will it bring in the requisite benefits and financial leverage for which it was built? Will it give a sigh of relief to the common commuter? 

With one million registered vehicles in Dubai and more than 1.3 million vehicles seen on the roads of Dubai, the general prevailing sentiment is: “Better late than never.” Many residents believe that it’s about time a convenient and diffused mode of public transport is available for the common citizen for various purposes: saving commuting costs, reducing traffic related stress levels, reaching work on time, getting daily chores done, etc.

The amount of time commuters are currently spending trapped in a traffic labyrinth is not only causing a financial loss of AED 4.5 billion (source: RTA) but is also weighing heavily on the psychological and physiological outlook of Dubai residents and is poising Dubai as a land of clogged traffic networks. So what to Dubai residents think about the much-hyped, much-anticipated launch of the metro service?

Given the information available, the prevailing customer sentiment is positive – Given that 10 major (in terms of population density, available commercial and residential activity, available links to other modes of transport) stations would be operative post 09/09/09, citizens have much to look forward to.

If a taxi trip from Deira to Bur Dubai costs an average of AED 10, the maximum cost one would need to bear for a single journey is AED 6.5 in case of a paper ticket and AED 5.8 in case of a metro card. What’s even better is that these tickets are not restricted to just the metro services but hold validity for public and water buses too.

The Glass House took to the streets and asked residents if they were willing to use the metro and if its launch would have a positive effect on Dubai and its future -

Don Roberts, client manager, International Certifications from New Zealand said: “I think it’s great; something which should have been done years ago. It’s a cheap form of transport and will help reduce the city’s carbon foot-print. I lived in Dubai from 1999 to 2003 and the traffic was very congested then. For my business trips, I will use it for sure & I think what the government is doing for the metro and bus service is fantastic.”

Teresa, a sales person working at Burjuman was skeptical on its benefits: “I’ll probably use it. Currently, I come from Deira in taxi daily, costing me around AED 10-12.”

Ali, an architectural firm employee, working in Al Quoz said:” I’ll use the Metro once in a while. I work in Al Quoz and the company vehicle transports us to and from work.”

The Dubai Road and Transport Authority adds: “Dubai Metro is bound to have a lasting effect on the mobility habits of visitors and inhabitants of the city. …This will ultimately impact the lifestyle of people. [W]e will be heading towards an enhanced version of mobility habits that looks pretty similar to the European model.” (Road and Transport Authority)

The prevailing consumer sentiment seems affirmative – especially of residents and professionals working near the metro station vicinities. The metro success would begin a new chapter for Dubai and its future – The real-estate developers and current landlords would also be hoping for a scintillating start to Dubai Metro as it would translate in mega benefits for Dubai property.