Unlicensed taxis go upmarket as driver is caught in a 2016 Honda

SHARJAH // Want to pay cheap illegal cab rates but don’t fancy a journey in an old banger? Those days may be past

Traffic chiefs in Sharjah caught an unlicensed driver ferrying “premium passengers” in a new-model Honda Accord.

“Inspectors caught the man in a car with two passengers,” said Rashid Al Nuaimi, head of the fines department at the emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority.

“He told them he used it for residents willing to pay more for air-conditioning, LCD screens and a comfortable ride.”

There has been an increase in illegal cabs operating in Sharjah during the first 8 months of 2016, compared to the same period last year. “Inspectors issued 1,724 fines up to the end of August. Last year 1,176 fines were handed out,” Mr Al Nuaimi said.

He attributed the increase to in the number of people commuting to other emirates.

“There is a high demand for these illegal operations. People need to reach destinations in faster transport than buses while paying a cheaper fee than a legally operating taxi.”

The Rolla area of Sharjah and Al Jubeil bus station are the main pick-up spots for illegal drivers , he said.

Passengers are also at risk of getting entangled in illegal activities, he said. “They don’t know the driver. He might be in violation of residency laws or have a criminal record. Also, the car might be uninsured.”

In Abu Dhabi, police arrested 50 drivers of illegal taxis operating from the main airport.

Drivers of illegal taxis face fines of Dh5,000 to Dh10,000, 30 days in jail or both.