UAE’s first floating station inaugurated in Dubai
dubai — The country’s first floating transport station is now open in Dubai Festival City (DFC). So if you’re one of the thousands who commute via the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) abra in this area, make the most of the smart features of the new station.
The new station links the JadafDFC line with public buses and Creek Metro Station. Abra service will be running every 10 minutes between the DFC and Jadaf Stations daily, from 7am up to 12am (midnight), at a fare of Dh2.
With the capacity to accommodate more than 25 passengers at a time, DFC’s floating marine transport station is equipped with hightech devices that can provide realtime passenger information, timetables of marine transport services, and weather conditions. It also has a smart kiosk where you can plan your journey with other marine transit modes.
Ticket sale service facilities have been set up and spaces are allotted for people of determination.
And while waiting for your ride — be it the ferry, a water bus, water taxi or an abra — you take your seat, enjoy the view of the Dubai Creek and stay connected online with the station’s free Wi-Fi.
At the opening of the station, Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, said: “The construction of this station is part of RTA master plan for improving Dubai marine transit systems, which are used by more than 14 million riders annually.”
Featuring a design inspired by marine habitats, the marine transport station has been constructed based on green building standards and it is connected with a pier and shaded outdoor areas. It has room for future expansions and it can be easily relocated, too.
A relief call (SOS) device has been installed, along with smart cameras and a sound system that can relay alerts and guidance about safety and security, especially during emergencies.
More stations to come up
The project comes as a response to
the significant rise in the number of riders in DFC. From 42,863 passengers in 2016, figures reached 187,000 in 2017, and the upward trend continued in 2018, recording a 24 per cent increase and hitting the 245,000 mark.
“The RTA plan envisages the construction of seven new marine transport stations at the Business Bay, Dubai Water Canal and coastal areas over the next couple of years — which will bring the total number of marine transit stations in Dubai to 55 stations by 2020.
The plan includes operating marine transport services along Dubai Creek and Jumeirah Beaches in addition to the New Islands, Business Bay and Dubai Water Canals services,” Al Tayer said.
“The marine transport sector is witnessing a sustained growth in terms of the number and modes of transit means, stations and ridership since the opening of the Dubai Water Canal linking Dubai Creek with the Arabian Gulf.
“The growth rate of this sector will receive a boost upon the completion
of urban and tourist facilities on both sides of the canal. The marine transit modes will be the ideal mobility choice for many citizens, residents and tourists who will also enjoy scenic views of the Dubai Creek and Dubai Water Canal.”
The RTA has also provided a Smart Corner on board the Dubai Ferry, making it the first floating smart marine transport station in the region. It is run in five languages: Arabic, English, Malayalam, Urdu and Chinese.