On Monday evening, metro services between Equiti and Max stations faced significant disruptions during peak hours due to technical issues, as announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai.
The RTA informed commuters about expected delays and arranged for alternative bus services at the affected stations. Eyewitnesses reported that passengers on the Red Line heading towards Max station were asked to disembark, while those waiting on platforms were prevented from boarding. Announcements at the DMCC metro station kept commuters updated: “Train services are experiencing delays on the red line. Please listen for further announcements.”
Information Gaps and Uncertainty
Screens near the information desk did not display any train schedules, adding to the confusion. Metro staff were unable to provide an estimated time for the resumption of normal services. In the meantime, commuters scrambled to find alternative ways to reach their destinations.
Pratik, a gym instructor living in Business Bay, had to cancel a training session with a client near Dubai World Centre. “I tried to hail a cab but couldn’t find one,” he said. Anette, a hotel worker in Business Bay, discovered the disruption after walking to the Business Bay Metro Station. “I can’t believe this. I was counting on the metro to get home quickly. Now I’m stuck like everyone else,” she lamented.
Crowded Stations and Bus Delays
By 11:15 pm, a staff member from Khaleej Times reported significant delays. A usually short 15-18 minute trip to Karama had turned into a complex journey involving three different buses. “There are huge crowds at metro stations and lots of traffic as people wait for buses to be arranged. Until Onpassive, the crowds are still okay, but after that, there are people still waiting to find their way back home,” the staffer noted.
Key Interchange Points
Travellers needing to switch to the Green Line heavily rely on the Centrepoint route, which includes interchange stations such as Union and Burjuman, connecting to Green Line stations like Etisalat and Creek. Key stations along this route include Business Bay, Dubai Mall, Financial Centre, Emirates Towers, World Trade Centre, Max, ADCB, Burjuman, Union, and Rigga.
