The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has invited firms to bid for the design of the second phase of the Dubai Tram network. The prospective bidders for the consultancy deal include: Aecom (US), Arup (UK), Atkins (UK), CH2M (US), Parsons (US), Systra (France), Sener (Spain), and WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff (Canada). The second phase of the tram network will link the depot at the end of the first phase of the existing network to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station on Sheikh Zayed Road. A third phase is also planned by the RTA that will run from Mall of the Emirates along Jumeirah Beach Road to Union House. The third phase could also connect to Dubai Metro at Al-Jafaliya Station in the Satwa area. The first phase of the tram opened in 2014. It was built by a team of France’s Alstom and the local/Belgian Bel Hasa Six Construct. Systra was the consultant. (MEED)