RTA Kicks Off A Campaign To Enlighten Metro Workers To Beat Summer Heat

Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) organized a campaign to overcome the blaze of the summer, in coordination with partners; the Consultants and Contractors of Dubai Metro Project. The Campaign comes in the context of RTA commitment to promote health and occupational safety and diffuse the culture of occupational safety among all workers deployed at various construction projects undertaken by the RTA.

In a gathering with a large number of workers at Dubai Metro Project site, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA, paid tribute to the efforts made by all workers towards delivering this project which will be a landmark in the emirate of Dubai and a remarkable addition to the glittering array of pioneer projects in Dubai.

“I was keen to accompany with me in this tour Essa Abdullah Al Ghurair (Vice President of ETA Star Holding LLC), Abdul Majeed Al Khaja (CEO of Rail Agency) and several departmental Directors & key executives of the project contractor Dubai Rapid Link, to say thank you for your dedication and good job done in delivering the project on the preset time. RTA commends your work for extended hours; particularly during daytime under soaring temperatures, and will remain always keen on providing a healthy environment for labourers at all sites”.

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, accompanied by Essa Al Ghurair and Abdul Majeed Al Khaja, distributed water bottles to workers at Rashidiya Station as part of a campaign aiming at educating Dubai Metro manpower on the best means to beat summer heat through adopting proper health practices and enlightening them on the risks resulting from heat strain.

Al Tayer added: “The Campaign covers several work sites at Dubai Metro Project, where more than 10,000 workers will take part. Workers received more than 12,000 water bottles supplied by Aquafina Mineral Co.; one of the Campaign sponsors. The Campaign will run for a week and Rail Agency employees will take part in a number of activities including distribution of water, refreshments and dehydration salts among workers at various construction sites of Dubai Metro Project”.

The Campaign illustrates RTA commitment towards implementing health and occupational safety locally and globally through educating manpower on the injuries and risks resulting from heat strain. This will be highlighted in awareness campaigns, continuous site inspection visits and publication of educative leaflets for this end.

It is worth-mentioning that RTA will run this Campaign across all affiliated agencies. Moreover, it will print posters of the Campaign to beat summer heat, and will also coordinate with media in transmitting awareness messages about the risks of summer heat and how to overcome the cases of heat strain.

RTA Stand At Modhesh City Promotes Traffic Awareness Of Visitors

The Stand of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) at Modhesh City is receiving huge numbers of visitors who are attracted by Traffic Safety Village and a number of other events organized by Traffic Awareness Section at the RTA as part of Dubai Summer Surprises 2009.

“RTA is keen on utilizing all opportunities and events to get this message across all segments of the community; particularly children. The summer vacation is a perfect opportunity to direct these messages to students through the multiple programs & events hosted by RTA at Modhesh City, summer camps and public libraries” said Hussain Al Banna, Director of Traffic Dep’t at RTA Traffic & Roads Agency.

He added: “Traffic Awareness Section at Traffic Dep’t has prepared well in advance to receive visitors of RTA Stand at Modhesh City through a Traffic Village that forms a blend of entertainment with awareness and education with recreation, organizing events running from 11 June to 14 August. The village is designed in a shape of a city featuring key traffic landmarks such as roads, directional signs, and traffic signals, in addition to side yards bustling with activities such as the drawing corner, technical workshop, theatre and diverse publications. Organization of this event is matched with the publication of Issue 26 of Salama Magazine in both Arabic & English.

“The summer program this year includes several other awareness events targeting students in summer training camps and participants in public libraries program held in cooperation with Dubai Municipality. Awareness events are not restricted to summer vacations of kids only but also span all age groups through issuing modern publications such as Surface Traveler Manual, traffic campaigns to raise the awareness of risks of tire-related accidents, and the importance of checking up and inspecting the vehicle before travelling.

“Before setting off, motorists intending to travel by road are advised to obtain the Surface Travel Manual from RTA Stand at Modhesh City and several other spots related to processing transactions of surface travelers such as RTA Licensing Agency, and The Automobile and Touring Club for UAE. The Manual, which is distributed along with a compass, road maps of neighbouring countries which receive a lot of travelers during summer vacation, along with charts showing border areas and distances between cities and areas across the international road corridors.

“The Manual includes wide-ranging data explaining the procedures needed by surface travelers from the UAE as well as places concerned with travel permits, detecting & repairing vehicle faults, driving under different weather conditions, and the importance of taking a First Aid Kit in the vehicle.

“The new edition of Salama Magazine published in June 2009 is a valuable addition to RTA Stand at Mudhesh City; as it is published in both Arabic & English to meet the increasing demand among non-Arabic speakers for this specialist awareness publication. RTA maintains constructive cooperation with its strategic partners particularly Government Departments and private entities towards diffusing traffic awareness messages, and capitalizing on various resources, methods and communication channels to promote traffic education within the community.

RTA Reviews Strategic Plan of Licensing Agency

Licensing Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) embarked on the implementation of projects and plans envisaged under the three pillars of the recently approved Strategic Plan of the Agency; which is geared towards realizing the vision of Licensing Agency: Safe Driver, Safe Vehicle, and World-Class Customer Services; which in turn adds to the realization of RTA vision of providing Safe and Smooth Transport for All.

"Licensing Agency has set out its programs; which aim at building the systems and standards to ensure the safety of both the driver & vehicle, and upgrade customer services to world-class standards" said Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA Licensing Agency.

"Accordingly the Agency launched a bunch of programs to achieve the said objectives such as designing, implementing and presenting a customer service project which aims to design, offer and deliver services through new channels i.e. we will not only be relying on rendering services through Customer Service Centers; a step which will save the time and effort of our customers. Examples of these include offering services through the internet, mail, telephone, kiosks, mobile services and other channels which are still under review at this stage. The project will be completed in the first quarter of 2010; however, new channels of some services will be activated before the end of this year.

"In order to improve customer service standards, e-appointments system was launched as a means to schedule driver testing appointments, which contributed to streamlining driver testing, minimizing the waiting time between the end of training sessions and road testing, and enabling the customer to fix a suitable testing time. Such service will be provided online through RTA portal, as well as Customer Service Centers.

"The Agency started activation of its e-services and as of the beginning of last month customers can avail some online licensing services such as renewal of vehicle registration, and renewal of driving license through RTA website. Work is progressing on activating most of the online services, be it related to vehicle & driver licensing, selling of number plates, or commercial licensing.

"The Agency is also seeking to upgrade driver training & licensing services, and simplify related procedures. This is set to be achieved through restructuring the whole process starting from training till the customer obtains the driving license. The new procedures will be announced during the coming few weeks.

"As to ensuring the safety & security of the driver and vehicle, the Agency launched several projects such as updating driver training & qualification policies to take on board key factors involved in the training to qualify capable drivers. Such policies were not applicable in the past such as issuance of temporary driving licenses to new drivers and introducing night training to enable drivers experience night driving and accordingly acquire skills which were not sought before. Moreover, a comprehensive awareness center will be established to educate old and new drivers in an effort to refine the driving attitudes of those drivers who show remarkable rates of incompliance with driving and traffic rules. Among other policies approved by the Agency and set to be implemented over the coming few weeks is the eye-sight testing of drivers; which is one of the key stipulations for processing driving license transactions.

As regards vehicles and their road safety, the Agency launched Technical Testing Systems & Standards Evaluation Project in the emirate in order to have in place a system that ensures road worthiness of vehicles before being licensed. A contract was made with a specialist German company where the current technical testing standards together with the prevailing international standards will be studied to come out with enhanced world-class standards to ensure vehicle road worthiness, and minimize accidents resulting from vehicles which fall short of those standards.

As to the role of the Agency in monitoring road safety of heavy vehicles, Bahrozyan said: "The Agency has worked out a plan to enhance its role in this field through training inspectors, as well as the provision of tools, devices and equipment necessary for carrying out their jobs in full coordination with Dubai Police. Equally, the Agency is studying the technology used in monitoring the safety of heavy vehicles in some advanced countries with the aim of planning to bring in this technology to Dubai as of next year such that the inspector will be able to do his job accurately and smoothly without having to stop vehicles on roads and delaying vehicles which are not in violation of the approved standards & specifications.

"There are several strategic partners of Licensing Agency who are offering services to customers on behalf of the RTA. The Agency therefore opted to upgrade the system that aims to assess the performance of these partners in their respective fields so as to provide accurate information to customers, and foster a competitive environment between partners; which will ultimately add to the sustained development of services and customer service levels.

RTA Launches Salik Violation Management Online Service

Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has recently launched an online service to manage the violations made to the toll gate systems (Salik) directly on the website of Salik. This will enable users obtain information about violations made by their vehicles, and raise possible objections to the offences reported should they have some reservations, and follow-up the process till clear-cut replies and satisfactory solutions are concluded to their objections.

“The aim of Violation Management service is to ease the process of reviewing the offences reported and tracking them by users of Salik toll gates. Users are now entitled to raise objections to the offences made in case of any doubt about a certain offence, thus saving time and effort of both system users and RTA employees as the client can, under this service, track the status of the application as well as phases and procedures taken without having to visit RTA offices” said Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency.

“Much attention was given to ensure the smooth process of using this service for the benefit of a wide sector of the public. The user can visit Salik portal (www.salik.ae), select the flash (Violation Management) and follow-up simple and easy steps that prompts the user to key-in the number and category of the vehicle number plate in the search engine to obtain detailed results instantly. Should a violation be reported against a vehicle, it will be displayed in a detailed chart showing the number, date and type of the violation made; be it insufficient account balance or any other offences provided for under the system” added Maitha.

It is worth-noting that RTA has recently launched the service of displaying the image of the violating vehicle at site so that the owner can verify the offence before taking any action thereon. In case the user intends to raise an objection to a violation ticket, he or she has to fill in some information such as the name, telephone number and other details; and the user will then be issued with a reference number to use in tracking the violation without having to engage in a series of procedures.

RTA has also introduced several online services to make it easy for Salik users such as the direct registration and subscription to the system, opening up an account, adding vehicles to an existing account, adding tags to vehicles, verification of the mobile phone number, topping up Salik account, and mPay which enables users to pay Salik charges on the e-Government portal, in addition to the latest service “Violation Management”.

RTA & Knowledge & Human Development Authority Clarify School Transport Regulations

Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) held a meeting with Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA) to shed more light on the respective roles of the two bodies in implementing School Transport Law in the emirate of Dubai.

The meeting, which held at the premises of KHDA, was attended by Essa Abdul Rahman Al Dossari, CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency and Fatma Al Marri, CEO of KHDA Schools Agency, in addition to the Director of Planning & Business Development Dep’t at RTA Public Transport Agency Mohammed Abu Baker Al Hashimi, and several section managers from both parties.

Al Dossari hailed the role played by KHDA in providing every support to the educational sector in Dubai and upgrading it to catch up with the massive development witnessed by the emirate fueled by the extensive urban and service projects currently underway in the emirate.

“When RTA published School Transport Regulations Manual” in collaboration with KHDA, our intention was to realign the conduct of this vital sector; which affects the lives of school students of varying age groups through introduction of the best practices applicable in this regard worldwide” said Al Dossari.

Commenting on the practice of some schools and school transport companies which exploited the issuance of school transport regulations to raise school transport fees, Al Dossari explained: “The amount that needs to be allocated by a school or school transport company to upgrade the level of a school bus to meet the requirements of the Decision ranges from 8,000 to 15,000 dirham, depending on the size and condition of the bus. This amount is a one-time investment to be made by the school, if it owns the school bus, or by school transport companies.

“Schools and school transport companies must not exploit school transport regulations to make individual financial gains as the amount required to modify the bus to bring it in line with the specifications set by the RTA is not hefty, and it would be reasonable if the fee increase per student was assessed in the range of 250-500 dirham maximum and for one time only. We urge KHDA to play a more active role in controlling such practices on the part of schools or school transport companies as it is the competent regulatory authority of education sector in the emirate of Dubai” added Al Dossari.

For her part Fatma Al Marri, CEO of KHDA Schools Agency, praised the efforts made by RTA in regulating school transport and training school bus drivers & issuing them with “school transport bus driving permits” to enhance the required integration of this sector.

“We, at KHDA, are making our level best to prop-up the efforts of RTA in implementing School Transport Regulations in the emirate of Dubai as it provides crucial support to the educational drive towards realizing its academic & social objectives and helping students succeed in their studies” continued Fatma.

It is worth-mentioning that Public Transport Agency had already announced School Transport Regulations Manual in the emirate of Dubai in a press conference held in association with KHDA in August 2008. The Manual is a binding law to schools and school transport companies which have to implement the required technical specifications, and the rule was endorsed by Dubai Executive Council.

RTA Opens Mirdif I/C Project

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) opened Mirdif Interchange in which construction started in May 2007. The Project covered converting the old bridge into a high-capacity flyover at the intersection of Al Khawaneej and Algiers Roads; separating Mirdiff and Muhaisnah.The bridge comprises Muhaisnah-bound six lanes, and Dubai Airport-bound three lanes in addition to five lanes coming from Muhaisnah; three of which are bound to Mirdiff and the remaining two are bound to Al Amardi R/A in addition to turns from and to Al Khawaneej Road, and free lanes rightward from all directions. The I/C is controlled by four light signals; three of which are on Algiers Rd and one at Badr City area.“Opening this vital project will enhance traffic flow at both Mirdiff and Muhaisnah; which have witnessed remarkable population & urbanization growth over the last few years to the extent of warranting upgrading the inbound and outbound roads in the area” said Nabeel Mohammad Saleh , Director of Roads Dept. of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency.“The Project covers widening of Al Khawaneej Road from 3 to 4 lanes in a sector extending 3.4 km to ease traffic congestion at the I/C, and a free left-turn link to serve the traffic coming from Al Khawaneej Road heading to Muhaisnah Road, in addition to other works related to irrigation, sewage, lighting and traffic signals” added Nabeel.Work is currently underway in completing the remaining works of the project including the underpass which ensures smooth traffic flow for motorists driving from Emirates Road towards Al Khawaneej Rd, a link with the Mirdiff-bound Bridge, and landscaping works.The Project is part of RTA plan to alleviate traffic congestion through constructing several road projects and improvements aiming at extending the services to residential areas under an integrated effort to upgrade and widen Dubai roads to realize RTA vision of providing Safe and Smooth Transport for All. This comes in the context of the overall strategy of the RTA to meet the current and future needs of roads and transport, and work out integrated solutions of roads systems and surface & marine transport networks that are safe to users and in line with the sweeping development plans to meet the requirements of demographic growth in the emirate.

RTA Launches Online Vehicle Registration & Driving License Renewal Services

Licensing Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) announced the launch of two e-services for renewal of driving licenses and vehicle registration. The announcement was made in a press conference held by Licensing Agency in its premises at Dubai Airport Free Zone.It was confirmed by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA Licensing Agency, that the Agency launched these e-services to facilitate the processing of transactions without having to report physically to the offices of the Agency; thus saving much time and effort, delivering smooth processes, and easing the pressure on Customer Service Centers."Introduction of driving licenses and vehicle registration renewal services online is meant to open up new and diverse channels for dealing with clients and help them avail of the range of services rendered by the agency such that the transaction can be electronically processed from any site at home, office or a commercial center. This service is particularly relevant to owners of vehicles with lifetime less than three years, as they are not inspected, but only registered; thereby raising productivity and improving the level of service," Bahrozyan explained.He added: "While all sectors of the community will benefit from the introduction of these online services, attention will be directed towards the big businesses to urge them go online so as to alleviate the congestion at the centers and save the time wasted in waiting for extended hours since the online renewal needs only few minutes to process."These two services could be used to acquire and seek information relevant to the renewal of vehicle registration, driving license details, driving license renewal, offences and fines payment, and distinguished number plates."There are five steps to be taken to process the renewal of driving license online, namely: Taking an eyesight test with any of RTA-approved eye-sight testing partner, providing a passport copy together with a personal photograph to the eyesight testing center, inserting the existing personal file through RTA portal (www.rta.ae) or creating a new one, paying renewal fees and fines (if any) online by using a credit card or e-dirham, and receiving the renewed driving license at the place designated by the client within four working days from receiving the RTA confirmation message."Procedures to be followed in renewing the registration card includes opening a new personal file through the RTA website, testing the vehicle at one of the approved vehicle testing centers if the lifetime of the vehicle exceeds four years, submitting vehicle insurance, paying fines & fees online, and receiving the renewed registration card at the place designated by the client within four working days.Bahrozyan finally commented: "Launching e-services is an integral part of a master development plan covering all services provided by the RTA.  The ultimate goal is providing easy access to the service delivered by Licensing Agency to all customers with the highest technological approved standards which illustrates the success of the RTA. It also fits well with the ongoing drive to keep pace with the e-vision adopted by the Government of Dubai to set the structures of e-business environment across the government departments as well as private sector entities".In addition to Ahmed Bahrozyan, the press conference was attended by the Director of Vehicle Licensing Dep’t Mohammed Abdul Kareem Nemaat, Director of Driver Licensing Dep’t Ali Al Jasim, and the Director of IT Dep’t at RTA Corporate Support Services Sector Abdullah Al Bastaki.

RTA Focuses on Customer & Employee Satisfaction in the Tawasul Forum

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) opened the events of Tawasul Forum  which seeks to enhance the interaction between various RTA leaders, review the achievements made, and shed light on future challenges & how best to cope with them. The gathering also aims to spread the awareness of tasks & responsibilities rendered by RTA agencies, sectors and affiliated departments in a bid to raise the performance level of different departments & sections. The Forum was attended by about 350 personalities including RTA CEOs, Directors, Managers, Experts and Specialists.At the outset of the gathering Al Tayer praised the efforts of RTA employees in the past, which enabled RTA overcome several challenges encountered and turn the dream into a reality as evidenced by the completion of several projects & plans such as the opening of roads, bridges & bridges, as well as beefing up the number of modern bus fleet. “These achievements will be culminated by the operation of Dubai Metro; which was described by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as “a cause of pride for the UAE”, he said.Al Tayer explained that RTA attention over the next period will focus on achieving a quality shift in promoting customer satisfaction. “Achieving this objective requires upgrading the level of customer services, improving the working environment of Customer Service Centers, expanding customer service centers network to serve a wider base of customers, and enhancing the scope of e-services. Equally, more emphasis will be placed on achieving employee job satisfaction across the RTA. For this reason Human Resources & Development Dep’t introduced a number of initiatives & programs, such as Qiyadi in coordination with Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development with the aim of bringing about a shift in the strategic thinking knowhow among RTA Emirati leaders. 20 Emirati Directors and 20 Emirati managers were selected from the incumbent Emirati directors & managers at the RTA to enroll in this Program. RTA also unleashed Tamayyaz initiative, which urges employees to showcase their skills & talents, and upgrade their competency & performance so as to contribute to raising productivity and realizing the intended goals, while proceeding with the ongoing training & learning programmes.“In the near future, we will be looking forward for RTA employees to take the initiative, become innovative, develop teamwork spirit, commit to excellence & transparency, develop institutional loyalty, apply strategic thinking and achieve sustainable development” he said.The Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of RTA directed all RTA agencies & sectors saying: “Over the next stage we have to focus attention on a number of core issues at the top of which is the care for safety at various sites & projects, considering it one of the crucial values that cannot be relinquished or tolerated in all projects under any circumstances whatsoever. RTA recently launched Safety Awards to be granted on annual basis to the best road consultants and contractors. Similarly we have to assigned added attention and care for the environment; which is one of pivotal axis of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 as well as RTA Strategic Plan. RTA has made a considerable progress down this track and public buses now have eco-friendly Euro 4 technologies. RTA also embarked on the trial run of gas-powered abras and we are set to make all marine transport modes, including the Water Taxi and Ferry Dubai, environment-friendly. Work is up and running in the trial operation of hybrid taxis and introduction of green building systems in transport stations and buildings.“Preserving the infrastructure (through maintenance) will be high on our agenda over the next stage; particularly noting that RTA is possessing massive assets estimated in billion dirhams spanning Dubai Metro, roads, bridges, buses … etc. Preserving these properties warrants much attention to maintenance programs so as to lengthen the lifespan of these facilities & assets. RTA has recently established Assets & Properties Dep’t to formulate strategies & policies, create a database, and monitor the performance of assets & properties” added Al Tayer.The Forum reviewed the achievements made by the RTA such as the 153% increase in the number of lanes crossing Dubai Creek from 19 to 48, and the 83% increase in the number of lanes of key roads from 36 to 66 lanes. Achievements reviewed also included a 30% improvement in traffic flow in key roads and a 32% drop in the time waste due to traffic congestion from the worth of 5.9 billion dirham to 4 billion dirham.Through developing mass transport systems RTA is seeking to raise the share of public transport in the rate of person trips from 6% to 30% by 2020. Under this drive, RTA procured new and advanced buses the number of which is set to rise from 560 buses at the time of establishing RTA to 2100 buses in mid of 2010, and installed 770 air-conditioned bus shelters. All these efforts yielded an increase in the number of bus ridership from 85 million to 100 million passengers in 2008.At the end of the gathering a discussion was opened between H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the RTA and the attendants where H.E. graciously answered all questions and queries raised by the participants.

RTA completes 90% of Landscaping for Al Garhoud Bridge & 60% Arabian Ranches

Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) announced that landscaping of Al Garhoud Bridge and Arabian Ranches Interchange is progressing steadily, with completion rate as high as 90% in Al Garhoud Bridge and 60% in Arabian Ranches Interchange up to now. Landscaping works are up and running in eight different locations in the emirate of Dubai covering landscaping of roadsides, medians and some spots within the right of way. The overall objective of the projects is to expand greenery, and add aesthetic elements to the right of way so as to improve the general appearance and fascination of Dubai roads.Maitha bint Adai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, said: “The total area of landscaping project of Al Garhoud Bridge is about 14 hectares and so far 90% of project works have been completed. The Project included planting of diverse flora to beautify the bridge sides as well as the area underneath the bridge using seasonal flowers, decoration trees for bridge sides, and palm trees & lawns to cover wide areas around walkways below the bridge.“The objective is to make the bridge and surroundings an attractive element for road users such as motorists and pedestrians. Another decorative element is added to the supporting walls of the bridge through engineering drawings depicting sand dunes fitted with mobile lighting system to create an impression of sea waves, adding much allure to the appearance of the bridge especially for pedestrians passing through purpose-built pathways to access the patios made for them. Motorists can enter these areas through a new entry point to the left side of the bridge for those coming from Deira / Festival City, or by using the existing access route to the right side of the bridge for those coming from Bur Dubai through Jaddaf.“The significance of Al Garhoud Bridge Landscaping Project stems from the fact that it is an iconic structure in the emirate of Dubai that has to be showcased in a highly distinctive manner. The bridge, which extends about 1.7 km, comprises 14 lanes; 7 lanes to serve the traffic from Bur Dubai to Deira and 7 lanes to accommodate the traffic from Deira to Bur Dubai. It rises 15 meters above the central part of Dubai Creek; enabling free navigation of boats, thus adding to the vision of RTA to provide Safe & Smooth Transport for All.“As part of the drive to expand the greenery in Dubai, RTA is proceeding with landscaping projects in a number of interchanges in the emirate including Arabian Ranches Interchange where completion rate has reached 60% covering a total area of 30 hectares. Beautification aspects cover planting diverse types of flora and fitting decorative lighting below the palm trees to give prominence to the project. Arabian Ranches Interchange is one of the biggest flyovers constructed by RTA comprising one underpass and 11 bridges extending 2.5 km to link Emirates Road with Umm Suqeim Road and Al Qudrah Road” added Maitha.Implementation of these projects underscores RTA attention to add a touch of beauty and attraction to Dubai roads illustrated in adopting innovative & non-repetitive methods in landscaping of roads, and upgrading of the technical standards & metrics to keep pace with the requirements of growth & modernity. Such exercise is all about enhancing the technical & aesthetic image of Dubai roads, and meeting the environmental requirements of the urban development process witnessed by the emirate.

Water Bus Ferries More Than 191k Passengers In 4 Months-RTA

The Water Bus ferried over 191, 000 passengers in 42,720 trips during the period from the first of January 2009 till the end of February of the same year, revealed Marine Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).

“These statistics covers passengers served during the first four months of 2009. Water Bus tickets are offered either in cash or through a prepaid card including a 10% discount. The Agency has recently introduced the e-fare collection system to the Water Bus at a cost of 11 million dirham, and allocated gates for special needs” said Hussain Ali Al Saffar, Director of Operation and Maintenance Dep’t at RTA Marine Agency.

“The number of passengers ferried on board the Water Bus in January clocked 49696 passengers served in 11036 trips, and the number was 49498 passengers in February ferried in 9968 trips, whereas in March it was 45865 passengers ferried in 11036 trips, and in April the number hit 44007 passengers ferried in 10680 trips. The service is offered through four operational lines: B1 from Sabkha Station to Bur Dubai Station (since 16 August 2007), B3 from Seef Station – Bani Yas Station – Sabkha Station, B2 from Bani Yas Station to Dubai Old Souk Station (since 4 October 2007), and the Tourist Line; which was operated on 14 December 2007 providing shuttle service between Shindagha Station and Seef Station.

“RTA Board of Directors, chaired by the Chairman of the Board & Executive Director H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, recently set the new fare for the Water Bus as 4 dirham per round trip (back and forth) during a single day. The Board also endorsed the launch of the new Line B4 (Creek Park – Seef – Bur Dubai).

“The Water Bus project is one of the key projects undertaken by Marine Agency with the aim of upgrading safe marine transit modes integrated with other transit modes such as rail, taxi and buses. As such it adds to the portfolio of public transport modes and contributes to minimizing traffic congestion in the city of Dubai in particular and the neighbouring emirates in general.

“The Agency is focusing on upgrading all marine transit systems through three main points, namely: the first is conducting detailed studies & applied practices necessary for designing, applying, managing, operating and maintaining marine transit systems. This includes establishing lines, services, station locations, maintenance workshops & technological systems, boat types, system management & operation, and supervision of maintenance processes. The second one is licensing of marine transport lines & all types of boats and drivers.

The third point is drafting legislations as regards the business of the Agency and submitting them to the Board of Directors, covering aspects such as passenger fares and fees of utilizing all facilities & related installations.