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Abra passengers to get smart cards

Engineer Essa Al Dossari, Chief Executive Officer of Marine Agency, RTA, said that studies have already been conducted on the project that will equip passengers with smart/magnetic cards which they will present while embarking and disembarking.

“The cards will be issued according to the needs of the passenger which might be daily, weekly, monthly or even seasonal,” explained Ahmed Al Hamadi, Director of In-land Water Transport Department, RTA.

The RTA officials also confirmed that a study was under way to increase the abra fare from 50 fils to Dh1. “We are not the owners of the boats, we only provide them licence and provide maintenance,” he said. Registration fee remains the same for abra operators.

Al Hamadi suggested that by 2008, the abra smart cards would be integrated with those of other transport means, including buses and the Metro rail.

“Studies are also under way to power the abras with CNG or solar power in future so that pollution would be minimised. Regular maintenance works will also help reduce noise pollution,” said Al Hamadi.

Meanwhile, the Marine Agency from RTA yesterday signed an agreement with Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) for the testing of abras managed by RTA so that they would meet specified global standards and conditions of engine exhausts.

The agreement was signed between the RTA’s Marine Agency CEO, Al Dossari and Ayas Mohammed bin Hendi, Tasjeel Manager in Enoc, with the attendance of Ahmed Al Hamadi, Assistant Director of In-land Water Transport Department, RTA.

Al Dossari said that Enoc will test the abra engines and the overall fitness condition of all 149 Abras in Dubai Creek, annually during the renewal of their licences to maintain and ensure the safety standards.

RTA will supervise this testing procedures to ensure that approved global standards on the pollution and safety front are met. The Marine Agency’s employees will also conduct periodic and surprise inspections to ensure the safety of testing and other procedures.

He added that the company will ensure that modern equipment are used for the technical testing and the emission levels of gases like nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons are kept under check.

Weekly reports would be submitted by the company every Monday between 9am and 11am and in case Monday was an official holiday it would be submitted the next day.

Bin Hendi said: “Safety of the public crossing the creek daily using abras is of prime importance to us and the RTA and abra owners have realised that the compulsory testing of their boats adds value to their service. Besides conducting tests on safety, we will also keep a check on the fire extinguishers and the provision of a maximum of five life floats.”

“Tasjeel is now recognised as the premier, most convenient, efficient and user-friendly service of its kind in the region. With our expanded network and new contract win we further demonstrate the level of service offered to our customers,” added Bin Hendi.

The expected increase in the number of abras and boats will require more detailed studies to help decrease the pollution levels and also that some statutory limits should be introduced, according to RTA officials.

Al Hammadi explained that the number of passengers who use abras to commute to and fro across the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira — since 1995 until the first half of this year rose to 175,522,186 involving 8,758,081 trips.

These figures give some measure of how important this traditional means of transportation still is.

• UAE