Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Jul 27: People travelling between Dubai and Sharjah can now opt for a new mode of transportation. The Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Saturday, July 27, announced the launch of a ferry service between Al Ghubaiba Marine Station in Dubai and Aquarium Marine Station in Sharjah.
A tweet from the Dubai Media Office, stated that the launch marks the first marine transit service, operated between Dubai and any other emirate.
According to a press release from Dubai Media Office, the service launch is part of RTA's plan to improve marine transportation services and ease mobility between the two emirates. It will ease the pressure on roads with a safe and quick marine transport solution.
The ferry service has a capacity to serve 1.3m riders per year and is subject to increase if needed. The tickets for the service are priced at Dh 15 to travel in silver class and Dh 25 for gold class. The service is free for people with disabilities and children below five years. The passengers of the ferry will be given access to free WiFi.
The transit time between Al Ghubaiba and Aquarium stations will be about 35 minutes, and the service frequency is every 30 minutes during morning peak hours (from 5 am to 9 am) and evening peak hours (from 4:00pm to 8:30 pm) from Saturday to Sunday. The service interval will be 1 and a half hours during off-peak times. The first journey will depart from Dubai at 5:15 am and the last journey will leave at 8:00 pm. From Sharjah, the first journey will be at 5:00 am and the last one will depart at 7:30 pm.
The ferry will be operating 42 journeys (21 in each direction) every day. Commuters are offered free parking as well as internal bus service at Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station.
The RTA has ensured that the ferry has high safety standards. Apart from a experienced crew, the ferry is fitted with five life-rafts, has a capacity to accommodate 125 riders, 110 life jackets, and 6 safety life-buoy.