Dubai in Guinness for longest driverless metro

Dubai - 22 Feb 2012 (KT): The Dubai Metro, comprising red and green Lines, has entered the Guinness World Records as the longest driverless metro network in the world spanning 75km.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), recently received the Guinness Certificate from Talal Omar, Regional Director of Guinness World Records in the Middle East.

Al Tayer dedicated the award to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who is the driving force behind the Dubai Metro.

All trains are operated by an integrated electronic system enabling the exercising of enhanced control and setting trip timings in an accurate format. "The Red Line is 52km long and the Green Line stretches to about 22.694km," added Al Tayer.

Talal Omar said: "The Certificate has been awarded to the Dubai Metro following a tour by a team from the Guinness World Records." Omar added that he was delighted to have this global achievement registered in the name of the emirate.

Dennis Samuel, a commuter said: "I have a driving licence, but I prefer travelling using the Metro. It's always on time and very convenient."

Bhavya T., a tourist, said: "I come from India, and the cleanliness and the infrastructure of the Dubai Metro is one of the best I have ever seen."