DUBAI: The Nol card services now cover payment of the Water Bus fare at Dubai Marina’s four stations – Marina Promenade, Marina Walk, Marina Mall and Marina Terrace.
The move is part of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)’s efforts to streamline the use and accessibility of marine transport services to riders, Khaleej Times quoted the authority’s tweet.
Mansour Al Falasi, Director of Marine Transport at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, reportedly said: “Including the payment of the Water Bus fare at Dubai Marina stations to Nol card system is part of RTA’s endeavours to improve the fare collection system of marine transit modes. This is particularly relevant to the Water Bus which, from January to August 2016, transported 348,658 commuters, indicating the great demand for the service. This has prompted the RTA to consider adding the Water Bus service to the Nol system, which was restricted to the Water Bus service at Dubai Creek. The move also contributes to the implementation of RTA’s third strategic goal: ‘People’s Happiness’.”
“The Water Bus travels every 20 minutes, from 10am to 11pm, from Saturdays to Thursdays; and from 12 noon to 12 midnight on Fridays and public holidays. Each Water Bus has a capacity of 36 commuters with spaces designated for riders with disabilities. It is fitted with life jackets, a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit. It boasts of an air-conditioned interior, a dual-base low-wash structure, and comfortable seats that make the journey enjoyable,” Al Falasi reportedly said.
“The rider can swipe Nol cards on the card reader on board, and swipe it again upon arriving to final destination. The rider has to make sure that a balance of at least Dh11 is available on the Nol card, otherwise it is recommended to top up the card at RTA’s Customer Happiness Centres, RTA’s App, website (www.rta.ae) or customer service offices in marine transport stations,” Al Falasi was quoted as saying by the news portal.
