Media ININ Economy We Trust
Media IN/Abu dhabi/ 05-05-2019
Dubai has opened the UAE’s first smart floating marine transport station at Festival City as part of plans to expand facilities over the next two years. The station accommodates more than 25 passengers, and links the Jadaf -Dubai Festival city line with public buses and creek metro station
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said it plans to build seven new marine transport stations at Business Bay, Dubai Water Canal and coastal areas over the next couple of years; which will bring the total number to 55.
Dubai’s marine transit system is used by more than 14 million riders annually, the RTA said.
The director-general and chairman of the RTA, opened the smart floating marine transport station at Dubai Festival City and in his remarks he said that Abra services will run every 10 minutes between Dubai Festival City and Jadaf Stations daily for a fare of AED2.
He toured Dubai Festival City Station which has witnessed a considerable rise in number of visitors from 42,863 riders in 2016 to 187,000 riders in 2017. The numbers rose in 2018 recording a 24 per cent increase to hit 245,000 riders
He said that the floating station is also open for future expansion and is relocatable. It has ticket sale service facilities and waiting areas overlooking Dubai Creek.
The floating station provides real-time passenger information, timetables of marine transport services and weather conditions. A relief call (SOS) device has been installed in the station to monitor the safety of customers along with a sound system and smart cameras while WiFi is provided free of charge.
The construction of this station is part of RTA’s master plan for improving Dubai marine transit systems, which are used by more than 14 m riders annually.
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 new station also makes it easier for a significant number of residents and tourists who visit Dubai Festival City Mall to enjoy its retail, dining and entertainment options.
