Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said the metro service between Ibn Battuta and Tower and Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) stations on the Red Line network will remain suspended from January 5 next year to the middle of 2019 for completing works linked to Route 2020 Project.

The work includes construction of a new station at Nakheel Harbour and Tower, and linking it with the existing one. Accordingly, the station, as well as the attached multi-story car park, will be fully closed.

Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younis, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, said: "To ensure the smooth mobility of riders between both stations, the RTA will deploy regular free express shuttle buses to commuters between the two stations during metro service hours."

"This alternative transit service between the two stations will be running throughout the closure period to complete construction works required for the extension of the Metro Red line as part of Route 2020 Project," stated Younis.

The RTA official said as per the new arrangement, metro passengers heading to UAE Exchange Station will have to alight at JLT Station, board a free bus that will take them to Ibn Battuta Station and then continue their metro journey to the UAE Exchange Station.

"Metro riders in the direction of Rashidiya Station are required to alight at Ibn Battuta Station, take an alternative bus for free to take them to JLT Station and from there continue their journey in the direction of Rashidiya Station," explained Younis.

Passengers and metro users must plan and allow an additional 20 minutes to complete their journey to avoid any delays," he added.-TradeArabia News Service