The Dubai Metro and Tram were awarded Dh542 million ($147.5 million) per year, a contract by a group led by French and Japanese companies. Keolis, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering, and Mitsubishi Corporation were awarded the contract. It has a nine-year base duration and can be extended for another six years.

According to Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and member of the Roads and Transport Authority's board of executive directors, the consortium will run and manage the Metro's Red and Green lines, and also Route 2020.

The Expo 2020 site is linked to the public transportation system via Route 2020, an extension of the Redline. The journey begins at the Jebel Ali station, formerly known as Nakheel Harbour and Tower. The emirate's tram network, including trains, control centers, stations, and other facilities.

Mr. Al Tayer added, "The contract also includes the operation and maintenance of the automated metro and fare structures, as well as the sale and recharging of Nol cards at metro stations." In the emirate, the Nol top-up card can be used to pay for Metro, rail, bus, taxi, and water taxi rides.

The provision of passenger transportation services will be managed by French and Japanese firms. Emiratis will be hired for senior, technical, and administrative roles. The authority intends to train residents in the skills needed by the rail industry, which is new to the region.

“During the preparatory phase, the consortium will work closely with the current operator to take over the tasks and ensure that network users are kept safe,” Mr. Al Tayer said.

New Metro stations in Dubai:

Earlier this year, it opened four new stations along Route 2020: Jebel Ali, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, and Al Furjan.

Three more stations are expected to open later this year: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investments Park, and 2020 Expo.

When the Expo opens in October 2021, the new 15-kilometer section will allow trains to transport tens of thousands of visitors to the Expo site. The world fair was expected to take place in October 2020, but it was postponed due to the pandemic.