New eco-friendly abras set for launch

WATER PLAN: A new generation of eco-friendly abras will be launched in Dubai in 2009. (Getty Images)

A new generation of eco-friendly water taxis will be introduced in Dubai by the end of 2009, it has been announced.

The Marine Agency at Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has revealed its strategy to bring higher levels of security and safety on waterways in the emirate.

According to Mohammed Obaid Al-Mulla, CEO of RTA Marine Agency, the new-style abras operating across Dubai Creek will pay particular attention to the time taken to offloading and loading of passengers.

Al-Mulla said: “Marine Agency is keen on raising its productivity through introducing the new generation of abras, which brings about a quality shift in marine business and mass marine transit systems.

"The step is viewed as investment in modern technology to facilitate the transit of commuters across Dubai Creek in an integrated system, with abundant safety and security features."

Almost three-quarters of people using abras in Dubai say they are happy with the quality of service, a recent survey showed.

The figure represented a 14 percent increase in customer satisfaction compared to 2007.

All-Mulla added that the new abras would be more environmentally friendly and efficient than the current fleet and would measure 11 metres in length - the optimum to manoeuvre around Dubai Creek, according to RTA chiefs.

Each boat will have a capacity of 22 passengers so as to fitted with electrical motors in a bid to protect the environment.

They will also be capable of higher speeds and longer distances and have the ability to use all sorts of alternative and environment-friendly energy sources.

Al-Mulla added: “The new generation of abras will be part of marine mass transit modes used for serving the new giant marine property projects in Dubai such as The Palm Deira, The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali, The World and other man-made islands.

RTA Marine Agency currently has 149 motorised abras in business operated by 300 operators with an overall passenger capacity of 28 million commuters per year.

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