RTA: 20% of New Marine Mass Transit Stations Designs Completed

RTA: 20% of New Marine Mass Transit Stations Designs Completed

Dubai (United Arab Emirates): Marine Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) completed 20% of initial designs of abra & water bus model stations encompassing 8 stations overlooking Dubai Creek, namely: Bur Dubai Station, Dubai Old Souk Station, Sabkha Station, Bani Yas Station, Seef Station, Deira Old Souk Station, Shindagha Station, and Bastakiya Station.

The CEO of RTA Marine Agency Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla said that the Agency had so far completed 20% of initial designs of marine mass transit model stations to be built along Dubai Creek. The initial phase of the Project, which started in June 2008, was completed in September of the same year.

“The Project envisages development of two initial model designs of Abra, Water Bus and Water Taxis stations. One design is inspired by a heritage architectural flavor such that it will be consistent with buildings in the neighbourhood, and the other one features a modern classical touches. Such stations, which are open to expansion and in meet the operational requirements, comply with green building standards & eco-friendly measures. The Project aims to upgrade the existing stations to bring them in line with the current urbanization, and development of the Creek fronts to match with the cultural identity of Dubai Creek. The Project also seeks to realize RTA strategic objectives of making marine mass transit modes an ideal mobility alternative contributing to the realization of RTA vision of providing safe and smooth transport for all, in addition to preserving the environment and maintaining public safety and health” he said.

“The station design comprises an air-conditioned 2-storey building encompassing the main station, services & waiting areas for customers, and a retail outlet leading directly to the dockyards of abra, water bus and water taxi. A unified-fare card will be applied to all transport modes under the umbrella of the RTA,” continued Al Mulla.

“Passenger boarding and alighting operations have been separated in abra dockyards to ease passenger flow. Protective shelters are set to be provided for all corridors, waiting areas and dockyards to provide added convenience & security and attract more users to marine transit modes” he added.

Commenting on the impact of stations on the locations the CEO of RTA Marine Agency said: “The stations are integrated with the new layout of the Creek Front Project envisaged in the new structural plan of the area. They they will be in harmony with the nature of land use and the historical outlook of the area. This Project will be of benefit to a wide spectrum of the community as it involves all marine mass transit modes, except for Ferry Dubai, which has exclusive stations; however they will be integrated with other mass transit systems such as the metro and buses.

“Materials used in constructing the new stations are eco-friendly and compatible with the standards of green buildings. The slipways of dockyards have been designed to ensure safe and smooth use by people with special needs, and meet all requirements & standards set to ensure the welfare of this category. RTA is currently working on detailed designs based on the approved initial designs” said Al Mulla in a concluding remark.