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Video: Here's what's new about Dubai's first 20-seater hybrid abra

Dubai - Plan set for the construction of 11 marine transit stations, boats in 2018-2020.

An environment-friendly abra that costs just Dh2 per trip has been launched in Dubai. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), launched the test run of the hybrid abra, which maintains the design and features of a traditional abra.

The hybrid abra will be operated on a trial basis on Al Seef-Al Ghubaiba line - a key marine transit line linking four stations: Al Seef, Baniyas, Dubai Old Souq and Al Ghubaiba.

The new abra can accommodate 20 riders and is powered by a 20KW electric motor. It is lighter in weight and has 26 lead crystal batteries and solar energy panels along with a standby generator to recharge batteries when running low on power. It has an automated firefighting system that will be activated when batteries are overheated. The abra has battery ventilation and cooling system and USB ports for recharging cell phones.

It is characterised by low carbon emissions, which are 87 per cent lower than petrol-powered abras. It reduces fuel consumption by 172 per cent and saves about 134 per cent of fuel costs. Its operational and maintenance costs are 83 per cent lower compared to traditional abras and reduces the noise level "to the minimum".

Al Tayer said: "The trial run of the hybrid abra supports the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The step is in line with the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, Dubai Plan 2021 and the UAE Vision 2021. It is also compatible with the RTA's master plan for leveraging marine transport in Dubai, which is used by 13 million riders per annum."

Future of marine transport