Dubai to get 12 new marine transit stations

The marine transport sector in Dubai has an estimated ridership of 13 million per annum.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will build 12 marine transport stations at the Business Bay Canal and Dubai Water Canal. Five of these stations are being built as part of the ongoing Dubai Water Canal project, while the remaining seven will be built at the Business Bay Canal by 2018.
"The total number of marine transport stations at the Dubai Creek, Business Bay Canal and Dubai Water Canal will rise to 18. The marine transport sector will witness a quantum shift in the ... number of stations and riders with the completion of the link of Business Bay Canal and Dubai Water Canal with the Arabian Gulf," said Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.
The marine transport sector is an integral part of the mass transit network in the emirate, with an estimated ridership of 13 million per annum. "The 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 and Business Bay Canal and Dubai Water Canal lines," said Al Tayer.
The RTA also operates electricity-powered traditional abras that are stationed in tourist destinations such as The Dubai Mall Lake, Global Village, Atlantis Hotel and Mamzar Beach.
The RTA is increasing the number of marine transit stations. The Marina station has been built and work is underway on Al Jadaf station. The station will enhance the integration of mass transit modes by linking the Dubai Ferry (Dubai Festival City - Al Jadaf Line) with the public bus service and the Metro Creek station.
"Over the past five years, the RTA has achieved several key projects such as retrofitting 149 abra engines; revamping abra dockyards and marinas; and launching the 36-seater water bus," said Al Tayer.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com