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Three CNG abras on pilot run for a year

DUBAI — The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the ENOC Group, has launched three compressed natural gas (CNG) abras.

According to senior RTA officials, these abras would be run on CNG for a year during which all aspects with regard to safety and other technical issues would be monitored. If the pilot run is found to be successful, the remaining abras would be converted to CNG.

The pilot operation will be for one year during which abras will commute passengers between four stations, namely, Al Sabkha, Dubai Old Souk, Deira Old Souk, and Bur Dubai. The three abras have distinctive green colour.

The officials added they were also looking at the option of running other modes of public transport on CNG in a bid to make the environment pollution-free.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said operating abras on CNG had many advantages. “Operating abras on CNG has multiple benefits that cover economical, environmental, security and safety aspects. Considering the environmental impact, the project will contribute to cutting environmental pollution caused by the rising columns of smoke generated from diesel-operated abra engines by 66 per cent. It also reduces emissions of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and dioxide from abra exhausts, and reduces engine sound. Using environment-friendly operation systems is part of the key objectives of Dubai Government Strategic Plan and RTA Strategic Plan,” he said.

He pointed out that the design of CNG-operated engine includes three cooling chambers working at variable levels so as to reduce engine pressure during extended periods of operation. CNG abra engines are characterised by their compact size, high efficiency, easy maintenance, and lack of oil spill compared to diesel engines.

Al Tayer stated that abras operated on CNG are safer than those operated on diesel, as CNG used in abras is neither inflammable nor explosive. In the event of gas leakage or overflow it is also safe, thanks to the automatic shutter system.

Saeed Khoory, CEO of ENOC Group, expressed his delight over the unveiling of the latest environmentally-friendly abras in conjunction with the RTA. “The project of transforming abra engines to operate on CNG represents a quality shift through which Emirates Gas — one of ENOC company — sets new standards of sustained development and preserving environment safety.”