'Avoid using Dubai Metro during peak hours': RTA issues advisory as 4 stations remain closed on Red Line

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Dubai Metro services remain impacted after unprecedented rain in the UAE last week. While the Red Line has become operational in both directions, the metro is still not halting at these four stations - Onpassive, Equiti, Al Mashreq and Energy.

As operations remain affected, stations across the emirate witnessed massive crowding during peak hours.

In an advisory, the Roads and Transport (RTA) has urged commuters to "avoid using the Metro during peak hours" and plan their journeys according to the stations currently operational until all stations return to normal operations.

RTA also announced that "due to ongoing efforts to manage the impacts on certain Metro Stations, we want to inform you about changes to the Metro Red Line schedule in Dubai."

Dubai Metro is operational from Centrepoint to Expo 2020 and UAE exchange stations. The transport authority also said that for commuters coming from Centrepoint Metro station, changing to another station is a must at Business Bay or Al Khail stations. RTA said, "The train will either be replaced or traffic will be diverted to buses to ensure a smooth transfer to the following stations."

Therefore, individuals must alight at Business Bay or Al Khail stations and use shuttle buses to reach the next station. However, commuters are citing infrequent shuttle bus services that aggravated their travel woes.

Khaleej Times journalist Laraib Anwer reported overcrowding at Abu Hail station on Monday morning. Metro authorities tasked with crowd management instructed passengers to wait at the ground level before granting them platform access. Some commuters waited more than 20 minutes before being permitted to get onto the platforms.

Meanwhile, there was a huge rush of commuters at Metro Red Line's Red Business Bay Metro Station (Al Safa side) on Monday morning. The traffic volume was on the rise on the Sheikh Zayed Road near Al Safa toll gate towards the World Trade Centre.

The RTA has urged commuters to follow instruction signages at metro stations and seek guidance from Dubai Metro staff.