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RTA approves new water taxi design

Dubai , February 26, 2008

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have endorsed the design of the new air-conditioned water taxis to be operated in Dubai Creek.

Mattar Al Tayer, RTA chairman of the board and executive director said the project is part of the comprehensive study and strategic plan of marine agency to develop marine transport in Dubai.

“The plan will be implemented in several phases as per a specific time frame.
It envisages phased out operation of the creek lines and the coastal line extending along Jumeirah Beaches; which serves tourists in the emirate,” he said.

The plan also includes the line linking the central part of the city with Nakheel projects (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Deira, and The World).

Al Tayer said that in the initial phase, 10 water taxis would be deployed at a cost of around Dh30 million within 11 months.

'The service will be available through telephone booking and passengers will have to wait at the agreed boarding station of the water taxi. Disembarkation will be upon request at any of the water taxi stations. The water taxis can also be hired for tourist purposes across Dubai Creek, he explained.

He pointed out that the new water taxi had a smooth design that harnesses the traditional design of abra (which is deeply rooted in the UAE traditions) and modern touches, as evidenced in the roof; which is modeled after Dubai Metro Stations blended with the latest hi techs in this field.

'It has a dual-base catamaran low wash, smooth ceiling, and a central air-conditioning system. It has convenient seats similar to business class seats in flights, with remotely-controlled LCD monitor fitted at the back of each seat, and a back extendable up to 45 degrees, along with a food table,' he explained.

The water taxi can accommodate up to 11 passengers in addition to the pilot. Its design was done taking into consideration the requirements of special need persons and hence 20 per cent of the seats have been earmarked for this category.

The conference was attended by Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of Marine Agency, Dr Khalid Al Zahed, director of maritime projects department, Ahmed Mohammed Al Hammadi, director of operation & performance department, Ali Al Jasim, director of registration & maritime licenses, Dr Aysha Al Busmait, director of marketing & corporate communication and Laila Taher, director of the office of board chairman  and executive director.-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Design | RTA | Special needs | new | water taxi |

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