The Automated Rapid Transit (ART) – the rail-less hi-tech transport system – and is now in operation on weekdays with increased operational hours, in an indication of its adoption by the public.
The pilot stage of the innovative and sustainable ARTs was launched in October the previous year and links Reem Mall and Marina Mall. Although at one time it was only functioning on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon, the tram-like environmentally friendly mode of transport has begun running on weekdays.
As of the present, all ARTs are operating from Monday to Friday while the last trip is up to 8:00 in the evening.
Some of the commuters said that the air-conditioned ARTs that started to ply on selected routes have only begun operating on weekday.
“ART service has begun its service on working days recently, I think it must be more than a month now in fact, it used to operate only on weekends earlier, But in this extreme hot summer it is a much needed comfort sometimes I travel in it since it is more comfortable than a public bus one does not need to stand during the rush hours. Moreover, REEM ISLAND is a very busy route in the evening, ARTs are quite convenient in this regard”, Alfred Parker, an employee of REEM Island was of the view.
The smart mobility solution exists in development with state-of-the-art technologies and has a passenger capacity of 200 individuals. Running from Reem Mall to Marina Mall, a distance of approximately 27 kilometers, it makes stops at various strategic places which include Marina Square, Galleria Al Maryah Island, Qasr Al Hosn, Khalidiya Park, Sheikha Fatima Park, ADNEC, NMC specialty hospital and LLC, City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel, Sheraton Al Khalidiya, and Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi.
Yasmin Arfa, a current expatriate in Reem Mall, noted that extending ARTs on working days has proved a boon to her.
“I am glad to be able to commute on this through working days. But, its 60-minute frequency is a concern. You await an hour for the next service,” Arfa said.