Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will review its marine transport master plan launched in 2006.
A new master plan will be drawn taking into consideration the changing face of Dubai shoreline.
“In 2006, we had six marine stations, now we have 37. Our idea is to use marine transport as an alternative to road and rail transport apart from making it a tourist attraction. We believe that in the long run marine transport will help reduce traffic jams on roads,” Eisa Al Dossari, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, told Gulf News.
More than 14 million commuters use RTA’s various marine tranport modes every year.
He said two new ferry routes — between Al Ghubaiba and the cruise terminal and another between Dubai Marina and Burj Al Arab via palm Jumeirah — will attract more commuters. More routes are being planned.
RTA operates abras and water buses on the creek. Though these forms of public transport are mostly patronised by tourists, Al Dossari said RTA will make greater efforts to make them attractive to residents.
