Water taxis may soon extend to Sharjah, Ajman
Water taxis connecting Dubai with Sharjah and Ajman may be launched as soon as next year as part of a plan to extend Dubai’s marine transport network.
Khalid Al Zahed, the director of the RTA’s marine projects department told UAE daily The National that air-conditioned water taxis and battery-powered abras could be operating around the Dubai Marina and Burj Downtown areas by the end of this year.
“Once we have a successful story and cover maximum Dubai areas, we can move to our neighbours,” he told the paper.
The RTA launched the water taxi service a fortnight ago, after investing Dh30 million in 10 water taxis and approving 20 stations. The taxis have already made about 200 trips to 19 destinations linking Dubai’s high-end hotels to tourist spots.
Another station will soon be added to Dubai Marina Mall.
Following residents’ complaints about the cost of the taxis, the RTA made changes in its booking system to enable the taxis to accept on-the-spot fares. The minimum fare for a water taxi is Dh50 for a ride across Creek Park.
Al Zahed said the heritage-style abras may begin operation in Dubai’s Marina and downtown Burj areas by the end of this year. Fares for the new electricity-powered abras, which have not been disclosed, will not operate on a per passenger basis and will cover the entire vessel.
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