No more traffic jams for ferry commuters in UAE

Dubai - 'Time-saving and very convenient' is how Pakistani expat Yasser Iqbal describes it.

UAE residents have found a viable alternative to beat the Dubai-Sharjah traffic snarl by taking the new inter-emirate ferry service launched by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Khaleej Times found out on Tuesday.
According to the RTA, the new marine transport, which links Al Ghubaiba marine station in Dubai and the Aquarium station in Sharjah, has ferried close to 48,000 residents since its inauguration on July 27.
'Time-saving and very convenient' is how Pakistani expat Yasser Iqbal describes it.
 "Unlike driving a car or taking a bus, it's just one straight travel going from Sharjah to Dubai and back."
"I've also noticed that there is a calming experience brought about by the trip. Look at the water, and you'll find it very relaxing. The view is scenic and there is no tension because you avoid the morning and evening traffic," he added.
Now a regular rider
Indian expat Saima, who lives in Sharjah but works in Oud Metha, Dubai, has been a regular ferry traveller since it was rolled out.
Before the launch of the ferry, she had to leave Sharjah around 5am to reach her office on time. Now, with the ferry, she can leave her home at least an hour later.
She added she has saved one hour per one-way travel between Sharjah and Dubai by taking the ferry. That means two hours per day; 10 hours per week, 40-42 hours a month or roughly two days worth of time in the past month.
More residents are finding the new transport means very comfortable. Filipino expat William Candido, a resident of Bur Dubai, used the ferry for the first time to visit his parents who live in Sharjah's Al Qasimia area.
He told Khaleej Times he was impressed with the ferry service. "It's so neat and cozy," Candido said, while taking a couple of pictures inside the ferry to record his first trip.
Ian Cipriano, another Dubai resident, added he enjoys the view at the marina while waiting for the ferry to leave for Sharjah. "You can sit and look at the Dubai Creek and it's very soothing," he noted.
THE DAILY CRUISE 
>The ferry operates 42 journeys daily
>In Dubai, the first trip departs at 5:15am and the last leaves at 8pm
>In Sharjah, the first ferry departs at 5am and the last leaves at 7.30pm
>Commuters are offered free parking and internal bus service
>Passengers enjoy free WiFi
>A ticket costs Dh15 in the silver class and Dh25 in gold (Free for people of determination and kids aged below five)
angel@khaleejtimes.com