UAE | Traffic and Transport
Abu Dhabi govt to pay 50 percent of taxi fares
Abu Dhabi government will pay 50 percent of the taxi fares for aged persons, those with special needs and people with chronic illnesses, officials announced.
- By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 22:57 February 13, 2009
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi government will pay 50 percent of the taxi fares for aged persons, those with special needs and people with chronic illnesses, officials announced.
Those like widows, divorcees etc who come under the welfare categories will receive a 25 percent slash on taxi fare. The announcement came along with the decision of the authorities to hike the taxi tariffs in the capital.
"Senior residents and those with special needs will get a 50 percent discount on taxi fare. This is made possible by the generous support of the Abu Dhabi government who will pitch in the remaining 50 percent of the fare", said Abdullah Sultan Al Sabbagh, the general manager of TransAD.
Those eligible to receive the discount can apply to the authority providing necessary documents, after which they will be issued a card. The cards can be swiped on specially installed mobile data transmitters in the cabs, he said.
"New fleets of taxis modified to suit the needs of the physically challenged will soon be added."
Further, drivers will be given incentives to extend better services to these categories. "Drivers who will cater to these categories of passengers will be paid 25 percent extra to encourage them."
The number of 9-seater taxis which are aimed at families will also be increased.
He also said that complaints received at the 24 hour hotline of the authority are dealt with high importance and urged the public to report any taxi related complaints.
"Complaints are taken very seriously. If a taxi driver refuses to take a passenger, and the passenger lodges a complaint the driver will be fined Dh 500. The fine is Dh 1000 for second offence and if a third offence is reported the driver is fired from the job", he said.
Additionally, 22 inspectors monitor the city's cabs for violations, he noted.
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