Water taxis set to strengthen tourism in Bahrain
WATER taxis have started operating in Bahrain as part of a major project to boost tourism and introduce an alternate form of public transportation.
Authorities have identified and licensed 13 locations across Bahrain and have approved at least 10 companies so far to operate 23 water taxis.
Operational
The first of its kind to be launched is a water taxi ride between The Avenues mall and the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, which is being operated by Delma Marine.
The other stations, which will be operational by the end of the year, include two each in Amwaj Islands and Al Dar Islands, and one each at Reef Island, Sitra Coast, Al Marrassi, Bu Maher Fort, Khalifa Bin Salman Park, Bahrain National Museum and the Arad Fort.
The licensed boats, according to the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry’s Ports and Maritime Affairs (PMA), are registered with the Bahrain Coastguard and will undergo routine technical and security inspections.
Port Affairs assistant under-secretary Bader Hood told the GDN that the 13 passenger transport jetties have been approved since January last year.
“The PMA at the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry is responsible for overseeing and regulating the marine sector and market in Bahrain,” he said.
“In accordance with the ministerial order 9/2017 regarding the licensing of marine activities, the PMA has licensed 10 companies to operate water passenger transport services (water taxi) in compliance with the regulation requirements.
“Additionally, the PMA has also licensed companies to operate a total of 23 boats registered with the Interior Ministry, within the Bahrain Coastguard, which are undergoing technical and security inspections.
“Moreover, to ensure the safety of passengers through water transport, the ministry has licensed 13 passenger transport jetties as of January 2017.”
The GDN reported in 2015 that parliament unanimously voted in favour of sea taxis in Bahrain as an alternative form of public transport and tourist activity, a proposal presented by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, with authorities finalising mechanisms for the project last year.
Mr Hood explained that depending on the size of each boat they can accommodate between two and 20 people at a time.
“The PMA also ensures that all boats and jetties are operated by professional individuals, fully aware of the transport operation, the routes used, and the regulations implemented in Bahrain,” he said.
“In addition, the boats carry between two and 20 people depending on the capacity of each boat.
Projects
“The sea taxi or water taxi is part of tourism projects in the country, which is in line with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and also falls within the government’s development plans for the transportation and logistics sector.
“Companies that are eligible and match the stipulated requirements as per the Maritime Services Licence Regulations can submit their applications to obtain licences.”
He added that licences can be obtained by firms operating in maritime services which include, but not limited to, shipping agents, shipping companies, and firms that handle shipping services, port loading and unloading services, maritime survey services and offshore repair services, among others.
The decree issued by Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed regarding the operation of sea taxis also includes a list of requirements for the maritime services licence, including a fine of BD500 for non-renewal and operating without a licence.
Meanwhile, Delma Marine chief executive Abdulla Al Dossary said the footfall has been exceptional at the water taxi jetties based in the Four Seasons Hotel and The Avenues, which have been operating for several months.
“We are glad that we could get the opportunity to be the first sea taxi operators in Bahrain,” he told the GDN.
“These waters are indeed a boost to the sea tourism prospects in Bahrain, which the government is keen to develop.
“As we see it, people are happy and they are enjoying the water ride and we hope to have more such rides between more destinations in the country in the coming months.”
The water taxi between The Avenues and Four Seasons Hotel is open to the public every day and costs BD1 per head.
People are given the opportunity to travel between the locations in one ride or they can spend time at either end for almost 15 minutes before they return as part of the same ticket.
One passenger told the GDN that sailing across the sea between the two locations that overlooked the Bahrain skyline was an experience not to be missed.
“It is a beautiful ride and will be even better with the weather becoming cooler soon,” said a Filipina woman who identified herself only as Joice.
“It will definitely be a chosen weekend destination, plus the cost is affordable and it is also good that we can just do it for the sake of the ride and not necessarily be staying at the Four Seasons.”
A Saudi family visiting Bahrain echoed similar views – adding that it was also a great way to escape the road traffic between the popular locations.
“We stay at the Four Seasons and the sea ride was a pleasure-filled option to get to the city, especially The Avenues,” said Faisal AlBuheri, a businessman who boarded the boat with his family.
“It is way better than the routine drive in a car or a taxi, and with the weather expected to get better it will be greater still.”
raji@gdn.com.bh
