RTA marine transit makes record achievements in 2007

It was stated by Mohammed Obaid Al-Mulla, CEO of RTA Marine Agency, that the Agency has completed a number of vital and crucial projects in marine transit field. The overall objective is to ease traffic congestion in the city of Dubai. This will save time and effort, and assist in strengthening the principle mass transit across all transport modes in a city heavily populated with residents and tourists like Dubai.

Al-Mulla said:

"Transiting across Dubai Creek and other waterways has become a vital issue for several reasons at the top of which is the fact that the length of Dubai Waterfront has stretched from 175km to 1500km upon completion of Dubai marine projects; forming one of the biggest waterfronts in the world. It is therefore crucial to provide suitable mass marine transit modes in line with the Strategic Plan of Marine Agency extending up to 2020. Given the giant marine projects taking place in Dubai, such as The Palms (Deira, Jumeirah, Jebel Ali) and The World, it is increasingly important to appreciate the need of these projects for extensive marine transit modes along with associated services such as floating restaurants, clinics, gardens. All of these requirements have to be backed with security and safety features at the highest global standards in accordance with the provisions of international agreements applicable in this regard."

Al-Mulla added, "The Agency adopts the Balanced Performance Card in the strategic planning based on all-round accurate and scientific studies, taking on board all surrounding aspects. The studies span over the next five to ten years, according to the plan of the project. They include the general budget, full cost of the project in addition to ad campaigns through audio-visual media, press, brochures and bulletins. They also tackle other important matters such as probing customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and the efficiency of the current and projected performance."

"The Agency attached much attention to the provision of marine mass transit services and modes in Dubai Creek; which is becoming a hub for passengers under the new vision aiming to provide new and advanced marine modes. This is particularly highlighted by the new marine transit projects such as the Water Bus inaugurated in Dubai Creek in August 2007 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of the UAE and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It formed another addition to public transport using high-powered and technologically advanced features forming a fleet consisting of 10 waterbuses. It operates over five lines (B1, B2 and B3), in addition to B4 which is dedicated for overnight service starting after midnight (12 am) up to 6 am. In addition to that there is B5; which is a dedicated tourist line starting from Al Shindagha Station to Al Seef Station and vice versa, ushering an era of marine tourism across Dubai Creek. The Water bus offers service from 06 am to 11 pm with trips starting every 15 minutes interval. The tourist line starts trips every 45 minutes," Al-Mulla added.

"There is also the motorized abra fleet consisting of 149 abras commuting passengers in two lines from 06 am up to 12 am (midnight) in addition to the rowing abra fleet consisting of 5 abras. The fare applicable to motorized and rowing abras is one dirham per passenger per trip, and the number of commuters who used abras in 2007 reached 27 million," he said.

Al-Mulla concluded, "Achievements are not restricted to the Water Bus and the Tourist Line, but extend to include announcing the design of the Water Taxi, consisting of 10 water taxis expected to start commercial service in 2009 in addition to Ferry Dubai; which is the biggest project undertaken by Marine Agency."

"The Agency unleashed Security and Safety Service (SSS) project in last May at a total cost of Dhs6m covering the coasts of the emirate of Dubai. This project is one of the key crucial projects aimed to raise the standard of marine safety services and is viewed as one of the pioneer projects across the globe. It aims to provide security and safety services as a means to realize the vision of the RTA of providing safe and smooth transport for all. It is a unique and distinguished service at the local, Gulf and world levels in terms of providing a comprehensive concept of marine safety. Marine safety service programmes cover training, academic and executive training programs; a matter which made the Agency in a leading global position and a gateway for delivering marine support services. The Agency will be in a position to deliver multiple and various marine safety services such as provision of all tugging, towing, refueling, repairing of emergent faults, inspecting batteries and all matters related to marine safety. In addition to that Marine Agency is becoming a gateway to provide all marine support services to all seagoers, as well as delivering educative and qualifying courses," Al-Mulla pointed out.