Dubai water buses 'proving popular'

Date: 6/4/2011

Tourists in Dubai are benefiting from a method of transport that not only gets them around the city quickly, but is also kinder to the environment than cars.

A fleet of Dubai Water Taxis launched in 2007 is now serving 18 locations across the Emirate's waterfronts, including the Atlantis Hotel and Dubai Festival City, Gulf News reports.

The vehicles are based on the abra, a traditional form of water transport in the Middle East, and offer visitors shortcuts between tourist attractions while also providing them with a different viewpoint from the roads.

Furthermore, as they are powered by electricity, the taxis could be helping to cut Dubai's carbon emissions.

Luc Delcomminette, Vice-President of Arabian Adventures, said: "Dubai Water Taxi also offers a good level of comfort and ease, which from a service offering point of view, is quite appealing to visiting guests."

Last month, Transport for London announced that it has secured funding for 90 new hybrid buses as part of an effort to improve air quality in the capital.

The Mayor hopes that CO2 emissions can be cut by 60 per cent from their 1990 levels by 2025.

Posted by Nick Anderson