By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter, www.gulfnews.com
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Dubai: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has finalised plans to integrate water transport with the Dubai Metro and public buses, a senior official has said.
“We will link water transport including water buses, ferries and traditional abras at four locations providing a smooth link for commuters to switch from one mode of transport to another suiting their journey plan,” said Dr Khalid Al Zahed, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RTA’s Marine Agency.
The Marine Agency is responsible for developing water transport strategies in line with Dubai’s plans to encourage more people to use public transport.
He told Gulf News in an exclusive interview that at least four metro stations on both sides of the Dubai Creek would be linked with water transport through air-conditioned walkways.
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Al Gubaiba marine transport station will be the major one to be linked withAl Gubaiba metro station and public bus station in Bur Dubai along the Dubai Creek. The Union Square metro ttation in Deira will be linked through an underground air-conditioned tunnel with the Bani Yas marine ttation near Dubai Municipality headquarters.
The City Centre metro station on the Red Line will be linked to the marine station near the Floating Bridge and the Gold Souk marine station will be linked to the metro station and bus station in Al Ras, Deira.
The Red Line on the Dubai Metro, linking Al Rashidiya with Jebel Ali passing through Airport, Deira, Bur Dubai Karama and Shaikh Zayed Road, is scheduled to start operation on September 9.
