Dubai (United Arab Emirates): Marine Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is working towards delivering comprehensive and integrated marine mass transit services on Dubai waterways. The Agency is currently witnessing a flurry of activities in the field of water transport to realize the vision of the RTA to provide safe and smooth transport for all, stated Khalid Al Zahid, Acting CEO of RTA Marine Agency.

“The volume of projects currently undertaken by the RTA in the field of marine transport from 2008 to 2011 tops 1,559.620 million dirham. These investments span vital projects of the Agency such as the Water Bus (Phase II), the Water Taxi, and the Ferry Dubai Project; which is one of the key projects underway costing about 350 million dirham.

“Ferry Dubai Project was unveiled and is scheduled for completion in October 2009, God willing. These projects were preceded with several studies to explore environmental impacts on marine transport users. To bring about an environment-friendly marine transport mode, Ferry Dubai was introduced with specifications that will have no negative effects on the environment. Due attention was assigned to ensure that boat traffic will not generate waves that negatively impact marine habitat. An emergency plan is in place to ensure that there will be no leakage of any material harming the environment. The first phase of manufacturing of Ferry Dubai boats has started and completion rate has now reached 10%. Construction works is expected to start in the very near future in the relevant stations, namely: Al Guhbaiba, Gold Souk, Union Square and City Center.

“Water Taxi project, which was announced in June 2008, is one of the key projects undertaken by the RTA at a cost of 150 million dirham. RTA will also explore expansion and development of marine mass transit system (phase 2) as well as improving & maintaining facilities, implementing strategic plans of marine mass transit, and the automatic fare collection system to be completed by the end of 2009. There are several projects in the portfolio of projects completed by Marine Agency, including the Water Bus which was started passenger service across Dubai Creek last year.

“Marine Agency is responsible for developing and implementing all marine transport systems in the emirate of Dubai, including detailed studies and applied practices necessary for designing, implementing, administering, operating and maintaining marine transport systems as well as specifying route, services, locations of stations & workshops, technological systems, and boat types. The Agency also attends to maintenance works and drafting legislations pertinent to the business of the Agency for onward submission to the Board of the RTA for approval, and implementing them including passenger fares and fees of utilizing affiliated facilities.

“Marine Agency projects as a whole aim to develop marine systems that are safe, smooth and integrated with the rest of marine transit modes. This approach stems from the vision of Dubai of Dubai; which forms inspires the vision of the RTA to provide safe and smooth transport for all” concluded Al Zahid.

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