RTA uses Water Bus campaign to promote marine mass transit culture

The awareness campaign, launched by Marine Agency in association with the Marketing and Corporate Communication Dep't at RTA Corporate Support Services Sector and set to run for three weeks, aims to educate the public on the importance of marine mass transit, according to Hussain Al-Saffar, Director of Operation and Maintenance Dep't at RTA Marine Agency.

Al-Saffar said:

"Through this campaign and the Water Bus project, Marine Agency is seeking to showcase the role of marine mass transit in alleviating traffic jams in Dubai city. This is envisaged in lifting commuters between the two banks of the Creek, and between Al-Seef and Bani Yas Roads; which is a major traffic hub, with multiple service units stationed along these two roads."

He added, "The campaign will witness distribution of flyers and leaflets to the public and Water Bus users visiting RTA Main Customer Service Center, as well as key stations of the Water Bus. The Water Bus links several stations and shuttles across five operational line, 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."

"Marine Agency is offering a part of its vanguard projects aiming to promote marine mass transit and upgrade safe marine transit systems in line with other transit modes such as rail, taxi and buses in support of public transport in the city of Dubai. The fare of the Water Bus is quite affordable and it is time to appreciate the importance of water transport which will be offered in the near future to the residents of the giant marine properties such as The Palm Jumeirah, Palm Deira, Palm Jebel Ali, The World and the Waterfront" added Al-Saffar," 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 and Maintenance Dep't at RTA Marine Agency.

Commenting on the campaign, Peyman Younes Parham, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication Dep't, said that the Dep't was always keen to stage awareness campaigns highlighting the projects launched by RTA Agencies.

"The aim is to introduce and ultimately deliver to the public a series of integrated transport projects, capable of realizing the vision of the RTA to provide Safe and Smooth Transport for All," added Peyman.