Getting a Dubai cab will now be a breeze
PASSENGERS HAVE MORE OPTIONS AS 455 TAXIS HIT THE ROADS
Passengers will have to spend less time waiting for taxis in Dubai as the Dubai Taxi Corporation ( DTC) has beefed up its taxi fleet with 300 new taxis, the Roads and Transport Authority ( RTA) has announced.
This is in addition to 155 Hala Taxis launched last month.
RTA had offered 300 taxi number plates to all taxi franchises through an auction, which the DTC won.
“We are thrilled with the winning of this auction which will increase the fleet of the Dubai Taxi Corporation to 3,854 taxis operating round the clock, including public holidays and Eids,” said Ahmad Mohammad Al Hammadi, Acting CEO of the Dubai Taxi Corporation.
The taxis have already been deployed on the roads over the last few months, offering more choices for commuters.
Latest features
“The DTC mapped out a plan to deploy these vehicles gradually into the fleet during the period July– September 2013. These taxis equipped with the latest features will offer improved service to passengers,” added Al Hammadi.
The addition comes close on the heels of a new service – Hala Taxi - launched last month by RTA, which offers an exclusive on- call service.
As many as 155
taxis were launched for the service by Cars Taxi franchise as part of the initiative.
The new cabs are fitted with safety and security features as well as tracking devices.
Smart meters
RTA has also rolled out Smart Meters on 600 taxis this month that will allow payment of fares through credit and Nol cards. Among the other key features of the smart taxi is an application that will help people with hearing impairment communicate with drivers in a better way.
Gradually, the rest of the 8,500 cabs will be equipped with the new meters in phases.
The taxi service can be availed of by calling the Booking and Despatch Centre at 042080808.