Dubai taxis 'must ply' on roads during Ramadan peak hours
(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Taxi franchise companies are required to place 90 per cent of their fleet in operation during peak hours through Ramadan, said the Road and Transport Authority (RTA)
The RTA clarifies the situation in response to complaints from residents to Khaleej Times about taxis not stopping during peak hours or refusal to take passengers for a short distance. A statement from RTA said: "Iftar time is considered as peak hours for taxis and hence RTA always changes the peak hour times in Ramadan for all taxi franchise companies where they are required to have 90 per cent of their fleet operation from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. "The RTA also advises all commuters for advance booking through the Smart Taxi App or by calling 04-2080808. Commuters can also their complaints at 8009090." "Despite taxis being on the road they just refuse to take passengers, this is especially so during Iftar time. Even if they stop for you, they will first enquire you destination and if it is for short distance, they simply refuse blaming traffic," said Mukhtar Kazim a Pakistani a resident from Bur Dubai. Rachael Cunningham, a British resident who lives in Al Barsha, said that for her hiring a taxi during Iftar time is a test of patience. "I did find it pretty annoying when you have to wait taxi for over 15 to 20 minutes in the sun and then finally if you find one, the driver simply ignores you and zooms off. I now prefer to book a taxi. I found it pretty convenient." Kirti Advani, an Indian living in Karama, said that it is easier to find a taxi an hour after Iftar time. "I don't blame the taxi drivers. They too need to break their fast. One needs to be a little considerate towards them," she said. Taxi drivers preferring anonymity differed to complaints made by residents and said the franchise as well as the RTA has very strict rules laid out for them. "When a taxi is booked I cannot stop for another passenger. My priority is to ensure that I reach on time for the passenger who booked for a taxi. In my opinion, the complaints made by residents are baseless," said a taxi driver. Highlighting similar sentiments, another taxi driver who is newly employed, said: "Our job is to commute passengers. It is our livelihood. Why should we refuse passengers? If they have complaints they should just call the company and lodge their complaints."
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