RTA reveals a new solar-powered abra in Dubai

Feeling a bit guilty about all those taxis flying up and down Sheikh Zayed Road? Well now you can reduce your carbon footprint while saving a bit of cash. RTA has revealed a new 20-seater water taxi that runs on solar power, and it will cost you just Dhs2 for a ride. The abra is powered by a 20KW electric motor and runs on 26 lead crystal batteries with solar panels on top, with a standby generator to recharge batteries when running low on power. There’s also an automated firefighting system plus a ventilation and cooling system with USB charging ports, for ultimate comfort and convenience. The RTA has already launched the test run of the abra, which has 87 percent lower emissions than petrol-powered abras, with the trial run to be conducted on the Al Seef-Al Ghubaiba line, which is one of the key marine transit lines linking Al Seef, Baniyas, Dubai Old Souq and Al Ghubaiba stations. The hybrid abra preserves the authentic design and features of the traditional abra, but this vessel reduces fuel consumption by 172 percent and maintenance costs are 83 percent less than the traditional abra. The trial run supports the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The construction of 11 more marine transit stations in Dubai is envisioned before 2020, raising the total number to 58. It also encompasses the manufacturing of 11 boats to bring the total number to 61 boats by 2020. New lines will be opened on Dubai Creek, Jumeirah Beach, new islands, and the Dubai Water Canal as well as the ferry service between Dubai and Sharjah. All hands on deck. Source: Timeout Dubai