Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a new direct service on the Red Line, a move that promises faster journeys and less crowding for the city’s metro users.
The route connects Centrepoint Station with Al Fardan Exchange Station, operating during peak morning and evening hours when the metro carries its heaviest passenger loads. It joins two other direct services, Centrepoint to Expo City Dubai and Centrepoint to Life Pharmacy Station, giving riders a total of three direct travel options on the Red Line.
Commuters breathe a sigh of relief
For thousands of daily riders, the new service is more than a technical adjustment — it’s about making daily life a little easier.
“I take the Red Line from Rashidiya to work every morning, and the crowding at interchange stations is always stressful,” said Majid, a Sharjah resident who commutes to Dubai. “Knowing I can board a direct train and save 10–15 minutes makes a big difference to my routine.”
Other passengers echoed similar sentiments. Cecilia, a teacher in Dubai, said: “With long days at work, every extra minute saved on the metro feels like extra time for myself or my family. These direct routes really help.”
Why it matters
Dubai’s growing population has steadily increased metro ridership. According to RTA, direct routes have already proven their value since their introduction last year, helping to:
- Ease overcrowding on trains and platforms
- Shorten waiting times for passengers
- Save energy by reducing unnecessary train movements
- Improve the flow of passengers across the network
For many commuters, that translates into less rushing, fewer delays, and more predictable journeys.
Staying on track
RTA has reminded passengers to check real-time display screens at stations to ensure they board the right train for their destination. The authority also deployed additional staff during the rollout phase to assist commuters and reduce confusion.
A metro system for a growing city
The Dubai Metro, which carries hundreds of thousands of passengers daily, is a backbone of the city’s mobility strategy. Officials say that shorter, more flexible routes are part of long-term planning to ensure the system keeps pace with Dubai’s growth.
As one regular commuter put it: “Dubai is a busy city, but if the metro keeps getting smarter like this, it makes life easier for all of us.”