Dubai’s transport authority has launched the test run of the first hybrid abra as it announced plans to build 11 new marine transit stations across the city.
Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), took a ride aboard the hybrid abra which will be able to carry up to 20 passengers.
It is powered by a 20KW electric motor, is lighter and has 26 lead crystal batteries and solar energy panels along with a standby generator to recharge batteries when running low in power.
It also has an automated firefighting system and USB ports for recharging cell phones.
The new generation abra is characterised by low carbon emissions which are 87 percent lower than petrol-powered abras. It reduces fuel consumption by 172 percent and significantly reduces fuel cost.
The hybrid abra will be operated on a trial base on Al Seef- Al Ghubaiba line, one of the key marine transit lines linking four stations – Al Seef, Baniyas, Dubai Old Souq, and Al Ghubaiba.
The fare will be AED2 for transiting between two stations.
“The trial run of the hybrid abra supports the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative launched by 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 RTA’s Master Plan for leveraging marine transport in Dubai which is used by 13 million riders per annum,” said Al Tayer.
He said the RTA plans to build 11 new marine transit stations in Dubai over 2018-2020, raising the number to 58. It also plans to build 11 boats to bring the total number to 61 boats.
New lines will be opened on Dubai Creek, Jumeirah beach, new islands, and the Dubai Water Canal as well as a ferry service between Dubai and Sharjah, he added.
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