The Department of Transport has invited tenders for the design of a 340 million tram network in Abu Dhabi. Several weeks ago the department agreed on a list of six consultancies to help design the metro system. The new projects are part of the government’s plans to invest more than Dh 300 billion in transport development projects over the next 20 years to decrease road congestion.
The first phase of the tram system is expected to be ready by 2014. It will operate in the central business district of Abu Dhabi Island, new developments on Yas and Saadiyat Island, and mainland projects like the Al Reef Villas near Abu Dhabi International Airport. The metro will stretch several hundred meters from Abu Dhabi Island to new developments, and will be underground in places.
