UAE: Dubai Metro adds new direct route to ease peak hour congestion on Red Line

In an effort to ease commuter pressure during rush hours, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a new direct metro service from Centrepoint Station to Al Fardan Exchange Station. Operating during peak periods, this latest addition aims to reduce crowding, shorten travel times, and streamline journeys across the city's busiest metro line.

A targeted solution for peak hour congestion
Dubai Metro’s Red Line, known for handling heavy commuter traffic, especially during the early morning and evening hours, now features an additional direct route connecting Centrepoint Station to Al Fardan Exchange Station.

This service operates only during peak hours:

• Morning: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  

It joins two other existing direct routes on the Red Line:

• Centrepoint to Expo City Dubai Station
• Centrepoint to Life Pharmacy Station
  

The introduction of the Centrepoint–Al Fardan Exchange route is a strategic step by RTA to:

• Reduce passenger congestion at busy interchange stations like Jebel Ali
• Offer more seamless travel across long distances without transfers
• Improve overall commute efficiency for office-goers, students, and families during high-demand hours

The impact so far — reduced delays and smoother operations
The implementation of these direct services isn’t new. In fact, the RTA began piloting this approach in August 2024, and the early outcomes have been promising. According to the RTA:

• Overcrowding on platforms and inside trains has noticeably decreased
• Passenger waiting times during rush hours have shortened
• The system’s operational efficiency has improved through better train scheduling
• Energy consumption has declined as trains now cover fewer unnecessary kilometers
  

To facilitate the rollout, RTA deployed additional staff across metro stations during the initial phase. These personnel were tasked with:

• Assisting passengers with route information
• Managing station flow
• Ensuring commuters board the correct train
  

These support measures helped smooth the transition and prevent confusion as the system shifted to include multiple direct services.

Enhanced passenger experience and system flexibility
With the updated route structure, Red Line trains now serve the following terminal points directly:

• Expo City Dubai
• UAE Exchange
• Life Pharmacy Station
• Al Fardan Exchange Station
  

This configuration eliminates the need for many commuters to change trains at Jebel Ali, which is known for high foot traffic and congestion. For example:

• A passenger travelling from Centrepoint to Expo City Dubai or Life Pharmacy Station no longer needs to disembark and wait for a connecting train.
• Instead, they can now enjoy a continuous ride, saving both time and effort.
  

This improvement is particularly beneficial for:

• Office workers on tight schedules
• Students with early classes
• Families seeking hassle-free travel across the city
  

RTA has advised all commuters to check real-time display screens at metro stations to confirm the destination of each train before boarding, as Red Line services now operate across multiple endpoints.

A step toward future ready public transport
The move reflects RTA’s broader commitment to a smarter, more sustainable transit system aligned with Dubai’s long-term urban growth strategy. With the city's population expanding and ridership steadily increasing, the RTA is focusing on:

• Maximizing capacity through route optimization
• Enhancing comfort and convenience for daily users
• Future-proofing the metro system against rising commuter demand

The addition of shorter, targeted routes demonstrates a proactive planning approach — responding to pressure points before they escalate. By investing in smarter route structures and clearer travel options, Dubai continues to position its metro as a reliable, world-class mode of transport.