RTA reviews Metro legislations with British railways chief inspector

The meeting explored potential cooperation and coordination between the RTA and the ORR in matters related to endorsement of the rail operation and legislative structures.

Mrs. Linda made a presentation showing the tasks of the London-based ORR, which was established in 2004 under the Railways and Transport Safety Act. ORR is an independent statutory body led by a Board. The Secretary of State for Transport makes appointments to the Board for a fixed term of up to five years.

She summarized the tasks of the ORR by saying: "ORR has got to ensure that rail network is managed efficiently and in a way that meets the needs of its users. It has to secure compliance with relevant health and safety law, including taking enforcement action as necessary, encourage continuous improvement in health and safety performance, develop policies to enhance relevant railway health & safety legislation; license operators, and set the terms for access by operators to the network & other railway facilities."

H. E. Mattar Al Tayer commented on the meeting and said: "Regulatory bodies, such as the Office of Rail Regulation, are crucial to ensure that the rail network, the owner of the network, and the operator of the national railway infrastructure meet the needs of its users.

"Dubai Metro is the first ever rail network in the GCC countries and we are seeking to set the benchmark for the upcoming metro systems. RTA is keen to adopt the best global practices in developing integrated transit systems, and Dubai Metro is bound to be a unique model worldwide. We hope to set up a statutory body that will enable us exceed our standards in terms of capacity, greater reliability, higher frequency, faster journey times and safety in the years to come."

Mrs. Williams was impressed with the progress of work in Dubai Metro Project, as well as standards and systems applicable to both trains and stations. "This project differs from other Metro systems in the world, as it is the longest metro network in the world constructed as one project, stretching 75 km. The conception and construction of this massive and strategic project amidst this bustling and busy city is a feat by itself which undoubtedly the RTA is on its way to achieve."