Dubai (United Arab Emirates): The number of Water Bus commuters across Dubai Creek reached 241,748 passengers, lifted in 3280 trips during the period from January up to the end of September 2008, according to a statistic released by Marine Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).
"Statistics, which covered nine months from January to September 2008, show that the Water bus ferried 241,748 passengers in 3280 trips. Fares were paid either in cash or through prepaid cards, offering a 10% discount. Marine Agency has recently introduced Electronic Fare Collection project for the Water Bus at a cost of 11 million dirham, including gates dedicated to special need persons" said Hussain Ali Al-Saffar, Director of Operation & Maintenance Department at RTA Marine Agency.
"Number of passengers served in January was 19,506 but jumped to 31,252 in February, while the number of passenger lifted was 27,486 in March and 32,930 in April. The number soared in May to 36,625 and hit 31,299 in June and 31,896 in July. The numbers clocked in August & September were 30,754 and 32,938 passengers respectively.
"The Water Bus operates over five operational lines, namely B1: From Sabkha Station to Bur Dubai Station (launched on 16/10/2007), B3: From Al-Seef Station to Sabkha Station via Bani Yas Station, B2: From Bani Yas Station to Dubai Old Souk (launched on 4/10/2007), B4: From Dubai Old Souk to Sabkha Station, designated as overnight service ensuring 24 hour service, and B5: A tourist line launched on 14 December 2007 from Al-Shindaga Station to Al-Seef Station and vice versa.
"The Water Bus project is one of the key projects undertaken by RTA marine Agency to develop safe marine transit modes integrated with other transport modes such as the rail, taxi and buses. The aim is to support public transport means and contribute to easing traffic congestion in the city of Dubai in particular and neighbouring emirates in general.
"The Agency attends to developing and operating all marine transport systems. This includes many matters among three points receive much attention; First: Carrying out detailed studies and applied practices necessary for designing, implementing, managing, operating and maintaining these systems. This includes specifying of lines, services, as well as locations of stations & workshops and their technological systems. It also covers types of boats, management & operation of systems and overseeing maintenance works. The second one is licensing of marine transit lines and various types of boats. The third point is drafting legislations related to the business of the Agency and submitting them to the Board of the RTA for endorsement and subsequent implementation. This also includes fares as well as fees of utilizing all facilities and installations" added Al-Saffar.
He elaborated on the technical specifications of the Water Bus mentioning that it was made of aluminum, and had a dual base, known as Catamaran Low Wash. "It measures 12 meters in length and 4.2 meters in width, with a speed of 10-12 knots per hour. It weighs around 7 tons and has a capacity to accommodate 30 to 35 passengers. It is fitted with a panoramic movable roof and twin diesel engines of 185 hp, with an air-conditioned interior. The project has 10 boats shuttling between five key stations; Bani Yas Station, Bur Dubai Souk Station, Sabkha Station, Dubai Old Souk Station and Al-Seef Station" continued the Director of Operation & Maintenance Dep't at RTA Marine Agency.
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© Press Release 2008
