Abras ferry 7.5 m passengers in 3 months

Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) revealed that the number of passengers commuted by motorized abras across Dubai Creek during the first quarter of 2008 hit 7,574,121 passengers ferried in 387,706 trips, showing a 10 per cent increase over the same period last year.

The Director of Operation & Performance Dep’t at RTA Marine Agency, Hussain Al Saffar, stated that the number of passengers reached 2,598,784 passengers in January served in 129,939 trips, and in February there were 2,746,656 passengers commuted in 123,832 trips, while in March the number clocked 2,498,681 passengers lifted in 124,934 trips.

“Noting that the number of passengers who used motorized abras was 28 million in 2007, this year we are heading towards a 7% increase in those statistics. There are two lines for motorized abras; the first provides shuttle services between Deira Old Souq Station to Bur Dubai Station starting from 05.00 am to 12.00 am (midnight). The second line provides 24 hour service shuttling between Dubai Old Souk Station and Al Sabkha Station. 15 abras are deployed on this line and the fare is one dirham per passenger per trip, while the tourist fare is 100 dirham per hour from all stations. Rowing abras can be hired at a rate of 30 dirham per hour from the Public Library Station or Creek Park Station.

“There are now 149 motorized abras operating through four stations; Al Sabkha Station, Bur Dubai Station, Deira Old Souq Station, and Dubai Old Souq Station. On the other hand there are five rowing abras shuttling between the Public Library Station and Creek Park Station.

“Rowing abra is a traditional marine conveyance mode and RTA is keen to encourage people to use it in commuting across Dubai Creek or for tourist purposes; being a symbolic icon of UAE heritage. The motorized abra, which is dictated by the process of development and renovation of marine transport, is essential for providing smooth, safe and quality commuting service across Dubai Creek, contributing to realization of RTA vision of providing safe & smooth transport for all.

“The Agency is keen to provide & operate state-of-the-art marine modes and upgrade all marine transport systems, including motorized abras. It has recently embarked on a pilot of operation for running three abras on CNG and is exploring the use of alternative & environment-friendly energies. Recently the 36-passengers Waterbus service was launched and is widely received by commuters across Dubai marine gateway.

“Marine transport projects will continue to take shape in a series of development projects aiming to contain human congested spots to eliminate possible traffic congestion. The Agency will always capitalize on the time saved and speed of marine transport; and accordingly contribute to removing the biggest stumbling block in the path of smooth transport for all” said Al Saffar.