DUBAI 5 May 2019: The UAE’s first smart floating marine transport station has been opened at Dubai Festival City. The station links Jadaf-Dubai Festival City line with public buses and Creek Metro Station.
Abra service run every 10 minutes between Dubai Festival City and Jadaf Stations daily from 07:00 am up to midnight at a fare of Dh2.
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman and Director-General of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) toured the station which has witnessed a considerable rise in the numbers from 42,863 riders in 2016 to 187,000 riders in 2017. The numbers continued the upward trend in 2018 recording a 24% increase to hit 245,000 riders.
Featuring a design inspired by marine habitats, the station is in harmony with green buildings standards and is connected with a pier and shaded outdoor areas. It is also open for future expansions and relocatable as well. The building provides spaces dedicated to people of determination and security and safety standards. It has ticket sale service facilities and waiting places overlooking Dubai Creek. The station is capable of accommodating various marine transit means including ferry, water bus, water taxi, traditional abra and air-conditioned abra.
Why is it ‘Smart’?
The floating station is one of the first smart stations. The hi-tech devices fitted to the station provide real-time passenger information, timetables of marine transport services and weather condition. Customer can plan their journeys at the Smart Kiosk in an integrated way with other marine transit modes.
The smart systems provided enable clients to process various transactions related to RTA while staying at the station. RTA has also provided a Smart Corner onboard Dubai Ferry rendering it the first floating smart marine transport station in the region. It is run in five languages: Arabic, English, Malayalam, Urdu, and Chinese.
A relief call (SOS) device has been installed in the station to monitor the safety of customers along with a sound system and smart cameras to give alerts and guidance about safety and security matters, especially during emergencies. WiFi service is provided free of charge at the station to boost the happiness of marine transport riders.
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Smart floating marine transport station which accommodates more than 25 passengers, contributes to the integration of marine transit modes by linking Jadaf-#Dubai Festival City line with public buses and Creek Metro Station. @RTA_Dubai pic.twitter.com/E2ZXxuYMsw
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 4, 2019
