Video: Here's what's new about Dubai's first 20-seater hybrid abra

Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, briefs Mattar Al Tayer about the features of the hybrid abra.

Dubai - Plan set for the construction of 11 marine transit stations, boats in 2018-2020.

An environment-friendly abra that costs just Dh2 per trip has been launched in Dubai. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), launched the test run of the hybrid abra, which maintains the design and features of a traditional abra.

The hybrid abra will be operated on a trial basis on Al Seef-Al Ghubaiba line - a key marine transit line linking four stations: Al Seef, Baniyas, Dubai Old Souq and Al Ghubaiba.

The new abra can accommodate 20 riders and is powered by a 20KW electric motor. It is lighter in weight and has 26 lead crystal batteries and solar energy panels along with a standby generator to recharge batteries when running low on power. It has an automated firefighting system that will be activated when batteries are overheated. The abra has battery ventilation and cooling system and USB ports for recharging cell phones.

It is characterised by low carbon emissions, which are 87 per cent lower than petrol-powered abras. It reduces fuel consumption by 172 per cent and saves about 134 per cent of fuel costs. Its operational and maintenance costs are 83 per cent lower compared to traditional abras and reduces the noise level "to the minimum".

Al Tayer said: "The trial run of the hybrid abra supports the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The step is in line with the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, Dubai Plan 2021 and the UAE Vision 2021. It is also compatible with the RTA's master plan for leveraging marine transport in Dubai, which is used by 13 million riders per annum."

Future of marine transport

The RTA plan envisages the construction of 11 new marine transit stations in Dubai in 2018-20, raising the total number to 58. It also encompasses the manufacturing of 11 boats to bring the total number to 61 by 2020.

Al Tayer said new lines will be opened on the Dubai Creek, Jumeirah beach, new islands and the Dubai Water Canal. He also referred to a plan to launch a Ferry service between Dubai and Sharjah.

"The number of marine transport modes and stations is expected to receive a big boost with the completion of property developments along the two banks of the Dubai Water Canal. It will make marine transport the ideal choice for the movement of citizens, residents and tourists, offering them enjoyable rides with the backdrop of an impressive skyline along the Dubai Creek and the water canal.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai