Dubai, August 16, 2007 (WAM):The Roads and TransportAuthority (RTA) has launched the maiden trip of the Water Busacross Dubai Creek, unveiling a new marine transport mode shuttlingbetween Al Sabkha and Bur Dubai stations.

Engineer Khalid Al Zahid, Acting CEO of RTA's MarineAgency, commented on the launch saying, "It is time to launchthe Water Bus, which is viewed as one of the key pillars of marinetransport systems. Marine transport projects aim at developingmarine transport modes that are both safe and integrated withother modes of transport, such as rail, taxi and buses. The aimis to consolidate public transport means and contribute to easetraffic congestion in the city of Dubai as well as the neighbouringemirates in general." He pointed out that the overall lines dedicated forpassenger service of the water bus operating in Dubai Creek are4 key lines, namely: Al Sabkha - Bur Dubai, Bani Yas - Old DubaiSouk, Al Sabkha - Al Seef, Bani Yas - Al Seef.

The service starts at 06.00 am and continues up to 11.00pm according to a predefined trip schedule. The service willbe operated at 10 minutes intervals during peak hours (7 - 9am), and every 15 minutes at off-peak times.

"The public may pay the fare amounting to AED 4 pera single trip either cash or through a prepaid card availableat all stations covered by the service," said Al Zahid.

"There is also a tourist line for the Water Bus startingfrom Al Seef Station and halting at Al Shandaga Station, locatedat the Heritage Village slated for opening next October, thebus returns in a back trip through the same line. This step aimsat stimulating marine tourism in the emirate, particularly atthe two banks of Dubai Creek, which attracts many tourists" addedAl Zahid.

He revealed that the tourist service of the water busstarts at 08.00 am and continues up to 12.00 (midnight) throughoutthe week. The trip across Dubai Creek lasts 45 minutes, withone hour interval between trips.

Al Zahid elaborated on the key features of the newWater Bus service saying: "Requirements of people with specialneeds are well catered in the Water Bus so as to secure easyboarding and mobility for them. The bus is fitted with a state-of-the-artair-conditioning system, which is second to none in this lineof industry. The aim is to provide convenient and homogeneousatmosphere for passengers of the Water Bus, particularly duringsummer, where temperature soars very high." He added that the Water Bus is made of aluminum andhas a dual base structure known as Catamaran Low Wash. It measures12 meters in length and 4.2 meters in width. It has a maximumspeed of 12 knots and a bare weight of 8 tons. It has a seatingcapacity of 63 passengers and has a panoramic movable ceiling.

The Water Bus is fitted with twin diesel engines of200 hp. At this stage 10 water buses will be operated and thenumber of passengers to be served by the Water Bus in the initialyear is expected to be 2,059,980 passengers.

The Water Bus has been manufactured according to thehighest security and safety global standards. All water buseshave been manufactured and assembled in accordance with the prerequisitesof Lloyd's global company, which scrutinized and supervised allmanufacturing phases.

Recently a contract was made with a Singaporean companyto operate and maintain the water bus. The company is specializedin this field and operates similar services in several countriesacross the world.

Al Zahid pointed out that the strategic plan of MarineAgency extends up to 2020, and takes into consideration the overallprofile and phenomenal demographic expansion witnessed by theemirate of Dubai. The plan envisages containing the congestedspots in the emirate and aspires to provide seamless trafficflow in all land and water routes.