Abras to operate round the clock

Dubai: The traditional water transport (abra) will be operated round the clock to benefit passengers crossing the Dubai Creek.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved round the clock abra operations for one of the three abra routes -between Dubai Old Souq Station in Bur Dubai and Al Sabkha Station in Deira. Around 15 abras have been allocated for this service.

Eisa Al Dossari, Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Agency at the RTA, said that the increase in the number of working hours for abras came after growing demand from passengers who travel late at night.

"This route serves the vital areas frequented by large numbers of people around the clock," he noted.

He said there has been a phenomenal increase in abra users over the years. The numbers increased from 13.5 million passengers in 1995 to 20.9 million in 2005, while 10.62 million passengers used the abra in the first half of this year and the number is likely to reach to 21.25 million by the end of the year.

Normal operating hours for abras are from 5:30am to 11:30pm. There are 149 engine operated abras and are owned by UAE nationals.