Marine transport moves to summer schedule

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority is switching sea and water taxis, ferries and passenger boats to a summer schedule. According to the authority, the transport will run in line with passenger demand during the summer period.

The timetable can be found on the official website of the department. It is noted that the measure is standard – so, the authorities use big data to analyse passenger traffic and adjust the schedule based on the data received to make the transport movement more efficient.

As it became known earlier, residents and visitors to Dubai will soon be able to use a new type of unmanned transport – electric boats (abra), whose successful testing took place in Dubai Bay.

The cost of the ride will be standard and will start at two dirhams, the same as an ordinary wooden boat. At the same time, the cost, as clarified by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, will depend on the route chosen.

The electric abra was built at Al Garhoud Marine Maintenance Centre. The electric abra uses an automated autonomous driving system. Radars, sensors and cameras help the vehicle navigate along a predetermined route.

The boat is designed to carry eight passengers and moves without the captain’s assistance. The boat is able to detect obstacles in its path and notify the control centre of any deviation from the course or failure.

The new boats are quiet and produce no harmful carbon emissions. They are equipped with two electric motors and travel at a maximum speed of seven knots, with four lithium batteries for seven hours of operation.

Source: Khaleej Times

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