Abra ticket price increase deferred

Dubai: The proposed price increase for water taxis has been postponed for three months, according to abra operators in Bur Dubai.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced last year plans to increase the cost of crossing the creek by traditional motor boat from 50 fils to Dh1 by January 1.

However, RTA authorities have said that this decision has not been approved by the Dubai Executive Council.

“We haven't been given the go-ahead so for now the abras remain at 50 fils. The increase could go ahead in March or April,'' the officials said.

The 100 per cent price increase for water transport is due to the rising cost of diesel fuel, it was revealed, and the overall plans to revamp and modernise the water transport system.

Four-stroke engines will also be phased in to reduce pollution.

Abra drivers said they were happy that an increase was in the pipeline as it will help them enjoy a better quality of life and earn more money.

According to Mohammad who has been operating an abra for nine years, Dh120 of profits currently goes to the abra's owner before he can pocket the remainder.

“The increase is good because otherwise we will die. We want to work but we need to eat and live as well,'' he said.

“I think people will think it is too much though. We will see in three months,'' he said.

Abdul Salem, another abra operator, agreed. He said he has to pay for diesel fuel for the abra out of the income he earns.

“If they take away 20 fils it is very dangerous for us but if it goes up it will be very good,'' he said. Some abra operators charge Dh1 for late night trips.

Commuters between Bur Dubai and Deira are not enthusiastic about the increase. Khushleem from Pakistan works the night shift in the food and beverage industry.

He said it would be expensive because everything is going up except his salary.

“I live in Deira and when I have to go to work sometimes I pay Dh1 because it is late. I get the abra everyday and it will cost me more now,'' he said.

Ameen Khan from Pakistan said the increase would hit his pocket as he crosses the creek twice.

“It is good for the life of the abra men but bad for my life,'' he said. Gtullar Valle from Norway said he found the increase acceptable. “Dh1 seems OK to me. I do get the abra from time to time and this is fine,'' he said.

Compared to the room rent increase it is nothing.
Dasan
Sharjah,UAE

For me, the increase of 50 fils is fair enough as long as they assure the safety of the passengers as well as imposing the most organised system for loading and unloading the passengers, so everybody will benefit from the increase.
Jinky
Sharjah,UAE

I used to live in Dubai not too long ago, and I would often give the driver a Dh5 note. I feel that Dh1 is nothing compared to what these guys do, if anything I would expect them to charge more, that way they might invest back into their abra's and the trip would become more enjoyable.
Nathaniel
Gold Coast,Australia

The cost of every necessity is touching the sky. I wonder why these water taxi drivers are being exploited. This is quite an injustice to them when you consider the road taxi charges.
Q. Ali
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I am ready to pay one dirham because Abra drivers work hard. It will not affect my budget and my pocket. I don't know why people think 50 fils will affect their budget.
Syed
Dubai,UAE

The Abra fare of 50 fils is very low as fuel prices are now very high. I think one dirham is a good price.
Sajjad
Jhelum,Pakistan

Well, the question is how much the Abra drivers are going to benefit from this increase. If the costs of the revamp are to be covered by this 100 per cent increase, then the prices should not be hiked. Alternately, if the prices benefit Abra drivers to a considerable extent, its a good thing if they get a raise.
Oommen
Dubai,UAE

Let us be fair to all! I think, it should be fair enough to raise the fare from 50 fils to 75 fils.
Singh
Dubai,UAE

I am on a visit to Dubai. Here I have found the cost of every necessity very high until I travelled by Abra. I was wondering why these poor operators are made to charge so low when the prices of everything is very high. This is exploitation. I think the prices should immediately be increased to give relief to the Abra operators.
Nisar
Delhi,India

An increase in price is reasonable if they improve facilities. The old Abras are still running.
Saleem
Sharjah,UAE

Spare the commuters. The hikes in Abra fares is going to be an extra burden for commuters. A pre-paid card at a reasonable price for them or any other such feasible system to lessen the burden would be welcome.
Shamsheer
Dubai,UAE

I travel from Sharjah to Bur Dubai using public transport from Sharjah to Sabka bus stand and from there I use the Abra. But if prices are increased it will affect my daily budget.
Ahmad
Sharjah,UAE

Abra?s are the only cheap thing in Dubai, which is quite nice! Come try living here in Bahrain where taxis start from ten dirhams.
Kenth
Manama,Bahrain

The Abra facility is mostly used by middle class people. Already the prices of most items are on the rise. Can we wait to take a breath, before going ahead with the Abra price hike?
Gaffar
Abu Dhabi,UAE