His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has launched the test run of the first hybrid abra, which has features preserving the authentic design and character of the traditional abra is a step that marked the addition of the first hybrid marine transit means to RTA’s marine transport fleet.
“The trial run of the Hybrid Abra supports the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative launched by HH 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 RTA’s Master Plan for leveraging marine transport in Dubai which is used by 13 million riders per annum,” said Al Tayer.
He said plans are afoot to construct 11 new marine transit stations in Dubai over the period of 2018-2020, thus raising the number to 58 marine transport stations in Dubai by 2020.
He added that it also encompasses the manufacturing of 11 boats to bring the total number to 61 boats by 2020. “New lines will be opened on Dubai Creek, Jumeirah beach, new islands, and the Dubai Water Canal as well as the Ferry service between Dubai and Sharjah,” Al Tayer said.
Al Tayer said the marine transport modes and stations are 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 at the backdrop of an impressive skyline along the Dubai Creek and the Water Canal,” said Al Tayer.
During a ride aboard the hybrid abra, Al Tayer heeded to a briefing by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, about the features of the new abra, which has a capacity for 20 riders.
It is powered by a 20KW electric motor and has a lighter weight, thanks to the use of cutting-edge technology. It has 26 Lead Crystal Batteries and solar energy panels along with a standby generator to recharge batteries when running low in 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.
The Hybrid Abra is characterised by low carbon emissions which are 87% lower than petrol-powered abras. It reduces fuel consumption by 172% and therefore saves about 134% of fuel cost. Its Operational and Maintenance costs are 83% lower compared to any traditional abra and reduces the noise level to the minimum. The Hybrid Abra will be operated on a trial base on Al Seef- Al Ghubaiba line; one of the key marine transit lines linking four stations (Al Seef, Baniyas, Dubai Old Souq, and Al Ghubaiba). The fare will be two dirhams only for transiting between two stations.
