Plans for electronic fare collection system

Dubai: The Marine Agency at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority is working on a project to install an electronic fare collection system for passengers using water buses on the Creek.

Mohammad Obaid Al Mulla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Marine Agency at the RTA, said the project would be complete by the end of 2008 at a cost of Dh11 million.

"This project comprises collection gates specially tailored to suit the requirements of persons with special needs, as they account for 20 per cent of the overall seat capacity of the water bus," he said.

He said the passenger using the water bus would pay through smart pre-paid cards, which will also be available at the abra stations along the Creek.

Popular service

He said the water bus service has been getting popular since its launch in July this year.

Al Mulla said the water bus is made of aluminium and has a dual base Catamaran Low Wash. It extends 12 metres in length and 4.2 metres in width and has a speed of 10 to 12 knots per hour.

It has a capacity of 30 to 35 passengers. Currently, 10 water buses are being operated on the Creek covering five key stations, namely Bani Yas Station, Bur Dubai Souq Station, Al Sabkha Station, Dubai Old Souq Station and Al Seef Station.