The Green Line has 20 stations, including 12 elevated (by means of a viaduct), and 8 underground stations.[4] The line is 22.5 kilometres (14.0 mi), with 7.9 kilometres (4.9 mi) underground.[5] It is served by 25 driverless trains travelling at a maximum speed of 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph), and stopping 20–30 seconds at each station. Trial running began in October 2010, with the line inaugurated on 9 September 2011 and opened to the public the next day.[6] The last two stations (Al Jadaf and Creek) were opened on 1 March 2014.[7] As of 2018[update], 19 trains are running on the Green Line and each of the trains has a capacity of 643 seats.[8]
The Green Line was initially 17.6 kilometres (10.9 mi) long upon opening, however following the extension from Dubai Healthcare City to Dubai Creek, the length increased to 22.5 kilometres (14.0 mi) long.[9]
Notable stations
There are two transfer stations, Union and BurJuman, where the Green and Red Lines intersect, allowing passengers to change between lines. The Green Line has its main depot in Al Qusais.[5]
Union station is touted to be one of the biggest metro stations in the world. With an area spanning 25,000 square metres (269,098 sq ft), it has capacity to handle about 22,000 passengers per hour. Adding to the station’s credentials are two entry points, two levels, a length extending 230 metres (755 ft), 50 metres (164 ft) of width and a depth of 18 metres (59 ft).[6]
The biggest elevated station on the Green Line is the Al Qiyadah station along Al Ittihad Road near the Dubai Police General HQ. The station has a capacity to handle 11,000 passengers per hour in each direction.[citation needed]
According to Gulf News in 2014, the plan to further extend the Green Line to Academic City is fully approved, in order to better serve the interests of residents in the Silicon Oasis and International City area.
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