His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has launched an enhanced new generation of traditional wooden Abras replicating the same design of the existing Abras while conforming to the highest security, safety and environmental standards.

The new abras have an increased power output and are manufactured from African teak. They can fit up to 20 passengers and meet the highest standards of safety. The great news for people of determination is that there are 2 new dedicated wheelchair spaces.

These new abras are still diesel powered and not the new electric powered ones.

The new generation Abras are fitted with smart transportation systems, GPS systems, cameras and nol payment systems. The engines in the enhanced versions Abras are linked with the remote monitoring system, and advanced sound and lighting systems onboard.

This means that you will no longer have to find some loose change to pay on these new abras, as you can use your Nol card instead.

RTA has also improved the position of the engine by placing it in a closed chamber equipped with soundproof and firefighting systems. The Abra is equipped with hydraulic steering to improve driving and manoeuvring. The engine room is fitted with soundproofing and anti-vibration systems to reduce noise pollution. Accordingly, the noise is decreased in the new Abra to less than 65 dB, the universally permissible limit.

There will be more improvements to the marine transport system in the coming years including an increase in the number of marine transport stations.

Ridership of all marine transport services is up and the RTA is keen to build on this and make more improvements to make services more accessible and popular for residents and tourists alike.