Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today announced that Dubai Metro has reached a major milestone, carrying a total of 2 billion passengers since its launch on September 9, 2009.

The state-of-the-art transportation system now boasts a fleet of 129 trains, serving 53 stations across the city, with an average of over 600,000 passengers per day.

With a punctuality rate of 99.7 per cent, the Dubai Metro has become a symbol of efficiency and reliability for residents and tourists alike.

Transcending barriers

Tweeting on the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed noted that the decision to launch the Dubai Metro was met with initial resistance due to the unfamiliarity of the idea and cultural barriers. However, he emphasised that taking responsibility and making difficult decisions was necessary to achieve progress and prosperity for the country and society.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed pride in the accomplishment of fulfilling the promise made to the people of Dubai, and encouraged decision-makers to embrace the courage to make bold choices for the betterment of communities.

The Dubai Ruler took to twitter to make the announcement. The tweet reads: “Dubai Metro has hit a milestone with 2 billion passengers since its 9-9-2009 launch. With 129 trains and 53 stations, daily ridership exceeds 600k and punctuality is at 99.7 per cent. Despite cultural unfamiliarity and disagreement among officials, taking responsibility for an unconventional decision led to success. Avoiding tough choices is not an option; they shape the destiny of nations and societies.”

The Dubai Metro is the world’s longest driverless rail system and one of the most advanced metro networks, as well as ranking among the busiest.