The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with the Singaporean Penguin Co. to operate and maintain the water bus which will start commuting across Dubai Creek in mid July.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the RTA by Eisa Abdul Rahman Al Dosari, CEO of Marine Agency and on behalf of Penguin by Hong King, the executive president of the company.
The agreement was signed in the premises of the RTA in the presence of a number of officials and directors of the RTA along with representative of the Singaporean Penguin Co.
Dosari said the contract covers operation of the water bus in a regular manner at a rate of one trip each 15 minutes in the morning and evening.
It also includes arranging for a periodical corrective and preventative maintenance, ensuring the safety of the water buses, minimising the occurrence of accidents involving the water bus and attending to all matters that may jeopardise the safety of the water bus, he said.
“Stations have a role to play in managing matters related to inquiries and addressing the public suggestions and complaints. They have to abide by the procedures related to the technical inspection and environmental safety in addition to training and upgrading the individuals working in the water bus,” he said.
He added that a delegation from the agency visited Penguin Boat International Limited in the city of Singapore from June 10 to 14 to assess the performance of the company and ascertain its experience in the field of marine transport and operating ferries, in coordination with the beneficiaries of the services rendered by the approved company. The delegation also inspected boats maintenance facilities and eventually approved Penguin Co. to operate and maintain the water bus.
Dosari revealed that a coordinative meeting has been held with the Executive President and Board Members of Penguin Co. to ensure that outstanding services will be delivered through the water bus project in accordance with the standards set in the contract and providing the best expert knowledge of the company. He added that the company has a fleet of 80 boats, and runs mass transit modes and a boat factory in addition to owning several other marine investments.
As to fare collection, Dosari said highly advanced systems will be in place such that daily tickets will issued automatically through the prepaid smart cards.-TradeArabia News Service