Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched its marine transit services calling at nine stations along Dubai Water Canal and the Business Bay following the opening of the Dubai Canal last evening.

A 12-km waterway that connects Dubai Creek with the Arabian Gulf, the Dubai Water Canal project has been built at a cost of Dh3.7 billion ($1 billion).

The Dubai Ferry and Water Taxi service, which began on Thursday, will call at five stations along the Canal, namely Sheikh Zayed Road, Safa Park, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Dubai Canal stations, said a statement from RTA.

It will also call at four stations along the Business Bay namely Dubai Design District, Al Wajeha Al Maeyah, Marasi, and the Business Bay stations. Thus, the total number of marine transport stations and stops in Dubai will rise to 42, it stated.

This comes following the directions from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide smooth marine transport services along the coastal areas of Dubai.

The service will be available on demand on board the Water Taxi from 10 am to 10 pm in all new stations, while the Dubai Ferry will offer service in five stations, two at the Dubai Water Canal, and three at the Business Bay, said Mattar Al Tayer, the director-general and chairman of RTA board of executive directors.

"There will be three newly scheduled two-way daily services for the Dubai Ferry from Al Jaddaf Station calling at Dubai Design District, Al Wajeha Al Maeyah, and Marasi stations in the Business Bay; and the Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Canal stations in the Dubai Water Canal. The services will start at 10 am, 12 midday and 5.30 pm," he added.

RTA said the current line of the Dubai Ferry shuttling between Al Ghubaiba Station and Marina Mall Station will be modified to call the Dubai Canal Station. Thus, the Dubai Canal Station will link between Al Ghubaiba, Marina Mall, Business Bay and Al Jaddaf.

"Due attention has been given to the integration of other transit modes (buses, trains and taxis) in order to provide a smooth and safe service for commuters," explained Al Tayer.

On the fare structure, Al Tayer said: "On the Dubai Ferry, the rates for the tourist class will be Dh15 to one station, Dh25 to two stations, Dh35 to three, Dh45 to four and Dh50 over the entire line. The fare of the gold class will be Dh25 to one, Dh35 to two, Dh50 to three, Dh60 to four and Dh75 over the entire line."

"The fare of the Water Taxi will range from Dh55 to 205, and the cost of charting the Water Taxi for one-hour will be Dh400," he added.

According to him, RTA has developed a master plan for upgrading marine transport systems in the emirate including the operation of Dubai Creek lines, coastal line alongside the Jumeirah Beaches, new islands service lines, in addition to the Business Bay and Dubai Water Canal lines.

Over the past few years, RTA embarked on the operation of a number of electricity-powered traditional abras. These abras are deployed at some tourist destinations such as the Dubai Mall Lake, Global Village, Atlantis Hotel, and Mamzar Beach. It has also opened Al Jaddaf Station that links between Dubai Creek, the Business Bay, and the Dubai Water Canal, said the top official.

"RTA has also operated the air-conditioned traditional abra, which boasts of spectacular design combining the traditional shape of the Abra, and the use of the latest technologies along with a panoramic roof, air-conditioned passenger cabin, and convenient seats for 20 riders. The abra has a single-base low-wash fiberglass body, and two eco-friendly engines powered by high-octane gasoline with minimal gas emissions," he added.-TradeArabia News Service