Emaar Properties has unveiled plans for an advanced tram system for its Dh73 billion ($20 billion) Downtown Burj Dubai flagship project. The 4.6 km tramway has a development value of Dh500 million.

The Downtown Burj Dubai Tram System will be the first of its kind in Dubai by offering two synchronised services within one tram transportation system, said a statement.

The Downtown Burj Dubai Tram System will be developed in line with RTA’s Vision for the Dubai Strategic Plan and has been designed to meet the commuting needs of Downtown Burj Dubai’s residents and visitors, it said.

It will provide sustainable links for users to and from the development with Dubai Metro in a timely, comfortable and affordable way. The system, thus, creates an efficient transportation network to meet the demands of a mixed-use neighbourhood comprising over 30,000 homes, residential towers, nine world-class hotels and over 3.77 million sq ft of retail space.

“Transportation is universally regarded as the top mega-city infrastructure challenge, which also has the biggest impact on any project’s competitiveness,” said Mohamed Ali Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties. “Congestion costs have a critical bearing on any project’s overall growth as well as the environment. It is imperative to have an efficient transportation infrastructure in place to drive the progress of any mega-project.”

He added: “Downtown Burj Dubai is already the new downtown of Dubai – the soul of the city - and is billed to be a global tourist attraction, driven by the inbound traffic to Burj Dubai and The Dubai Mall. The Downtown Burj Dubai Tram System has been conceptualised to address the huge demand anticipated on the traffic infrastructure within the project. As a mass transit means, the tram system is also environmentally viable and can deliver sustainable solutions for the long-term.”

Phase 1 of the project will feature a 1.1 km twin track express link shuttle service line operating between the Burj Place interchange station with Dubai Metro and The Dubai Mall with an intermediate stop at a new hotel development, currently being planned. The one-way journey time will be 2-3 minutes with 1-2 minutes between trams. It is scheduled to be operational by end of 2009.

Phase 2 of the project will feature a 4.6 km full loop, single track mono directional, clockwise, commuter service operating from and to the Burj Place interchange station with Dubai Metro. It will service all 10 stations that network the 500-acre development featuring some of the world’s architectural milestones such as Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, and The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations. The complete one-way journey time will be approximately 8 minutes. This phase is scheduled to be fully operational in 2010.

The line sections from Burj Place to Burj Dubai Boulevard will be supported on a viaduct structure and on bridges spanning two key roads. Along the boulevard, the line will be placed on a dedicated right-of-way in the centre of the road. Normal traffic signals will be interlocked with the tram’s Automatic Supervisory Systems for priority access across road junctions. This is to ensure on-time arrival and departure schedules and maximum safety conditions for trams and vehicles. Access to the station platforms will be through soft slopes and other specific amenities for ease of use of children and people with reduced mobility.

Designed to international rail industry standard gauge with Euro style, the tram vehicles will feature bespoke exterior livery, low level floors throughout for ease of passenger access, and on-board facilities such as upholstered seating, provisions for special needs people, luggage space, and passenger information & multimedia displays. The express link shuttle service line will be a fully-automated, driverless operation, said the statement.