Saudi- ''Chaotic taxi industry needs to be overhauled''

(MENAFN- Arab News) The taxi industry in the country needs to be regulated further because the current situation is causing chaos on local roads including traffic jams and tragic accidents citizens and experts said here recently.

They said there are too many taxis roaming around in cities with many drivers often breaking traffic laws. Drivers also do not abide by 68 regulations for those transporting members of the public which includes wearing uniforms and cleaning their cars they said.

The government should consider setting up special areas where taxi drivers must park and where they can be contacted by telephone if needed. They should also be restricted to certain times at hospitals universities and markets they said.

In addition taxi drivers should be forced to undergo training so that they can deal professionally with customers and learn how to use roads maps. The government must also set up a joint stock company to oversee the industry which could provide a reservation system by telephone.

Abdullah Al-Aqeel former vice president of the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the current situation where drivers roam around looking for customers is contributing to traffic jams pollution and accidents.

He said the government should allocate certain set parking areas for taxis and force companies to provide services on demand. There must be an overhaul of traffic legislation to protect citizens residents and companies he said.

Khalid Al-Hamoud who works in the education sector said the industry must create a situation where taxis are called only when needed because they are causing problems on the nation''s roads.

This system is currently in place at Saudi Aramco and the royal commission''s residential compounds where customers call for taxis. ''This is good for the environment more organized professional and safe'' he said.

Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Sennan a citizen said an additional problem is that many expatriate drivers work for long hours on the roads to make more money but this tires them and results in many accidents.

Al-Sennan said that Saudi youth must be encouraged to take up jobs in this sector. It was important to overhaul the industry because it determines how foreigners view the country.

''The Kingdom receives millions of pilgrims and visitors to the holy cities every year so the work of taxi drivers should be more organized. Drivers must not be allowed to work for more than eight hours a day'' he said.