RTA starts implementation of new fees for Abra

Executing the decision issued from the Executive Council of Dubai to increase the fees and the tourist transport by engine Abra while the oaring Abra fees will be the same.

Engineer Essa Al Dossari, CEO of Marine Agency, said, the increment in the fees refer to several reasons such as increase in the Diesel cost with an increment estimated to 127% through last ten years and this make a big load on the Abra operators.

He added that the RTA also has made an investment of AED 21 million to improve the infrastructure of inland transport including the construction of six Abra stations and 24 pontoons to increase the safety and security when boarding and disembarking. In addition, to the maintenance of all the stations, which accounts to AED 1 million annually, round the clock cleaning services will be provided to achieve and meet global practices. Clear signage at all abra stations in several languages will be installed which will include information on safety, security, and the fees.

He pointed out that 41% of the abra users' source information through sign boards at abra stations, 21% through the website, 15% through the free telephone call, 11% through flyers and 12% comprise of RTA staff.

Moreover, Al Dossari said, the Marine Agency conducts a survey for number of Abra users which amounted to 60,000 users commute daily by eth Abra increasing to a 100,000 on Fridays and official holidays and the 149 Abras are owned by UAE nationals from middle income groups and are operated by 300 people. The survey shown that 86% of the surveyed users said they will continuo using Abra after the implementation of new fees.

The RTA also provide an insurance service by signed an agreement with an Insurance Company and also testing Abra through signing an agreement with Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) to conduct tests of the engines and overall conditions of all 149 Abras in Dubai Creek, annually during the renewal of their licenses to maintain and ensure the safety of Abras and ensure adherence to the standards to measure pollutants and smoke from Abra engine, and the presence of fire extinguishers and the provision of a maximum of five life floats in each Abra.